Author/Authors :
Antonio Luiz P. Ribeiro، نويسنده , , Adelina Martha dos Reis، نويسنده , , Marcio Vinicius L Barros، نويسنده , , Marcos Roberto de Sousa، نويسنده , , Ana Luiza L Rocha، نويسنده , , Amanda Arantes Perez، نويسنده , , Jacqueline Braga Pereira، نويسنده , , Fernando Santana Machado، نويسنده , , Manoel Ot?vio C Rocha، نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Left ventricular dysfunction in Chagasʹ disease is common but can be difficult to detect. We investigated whether measurement of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) could identify patients with left ventricular dysfunction who need further investigation or treatment. Among patients with an abnormal electrocardiogram or chest radiograph, a BNP concentration of 60•7 pmol/L or higher has a sensitivity and positive predictive value of 80%, and specificity and negative predictive value of 97%. Measurement of plasma BNP concentration could be a useful method to screen patients with Chagasʹ disease.
