Cardiac Mechanics by Speckle Tracking as a Prognostic Predictor in Patients With Chagas Cardiomyopathy

This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of myocardial mechanics parameters, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD), assessed through speckle tracking echocardiography, in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM). The study is divided into two arms: a cross-sectional arm and a longitudinal arm. The cross-sectional arm compares echocardiographic parameters between patients with and without implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for secondary prevention. The longitudinal arm assesses clinical outcomes over 24 months. Primary outcomes include all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure, while secondary outcomes encompass sudden cardiac death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, embolic events, and persistent atrial fibrillation.