Toxoplasmosis and the Heart

Toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite with high prevalence in tropical regions. Most infections show minimal symptoms, but immunocompromised patients tend to have a poor prognosis. Cardiovascular manifestations in toxoplasmosis are rare and reported in a limited number of patients. As part of the Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Infectious Diseases Affecting the Heart (NET-Heart) project, this paper aims to systematically review all available information regarding the cardiovascular implications of toxoplasmosis. Relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE and/or PubMed database, and 48 articles were ultimately included. This was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Cardiac compromise in toxoplasmosis mainly involves myocarditis, and complications vary widely in severity. Toxoplasmic myocarditis is challenging to diagnose, as endomyocardial biopsy is usually required. This article provides a summary of cardiac toxoplasmosis, including an original algorithm facilitating diagnosis and treatment.

Automated summary

Toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite, is common in tropical regions and often shows minimal symptoms, though immunocompromised patients have a poor prognosis. Cardiovascular manifestations are rare and mainly involve myocarditis, presenting diagnostic challenges. This systematic review aims to summarize available information on cardiac implications of toxoplasmosis.