Thirty five individuals who died suddenly and unexpectedly were autopsied at Medico-Legal Services in Uberaba and Uberlandia (State of Minas Gerais-Brazil). Serology of the pericardial fluid and histopathological findings established a diagnosis of Chagas' disease. All, with two exceptions were males and their mean age was 38 years. We decided to conduct a retrospective investigation regarding the manner of death of chagasic patients who died suddenly from information obtained from family members and friends. The questionaire explored possible cardiac and systemic factors related to the risk of such an event. In 31.2% there were no symptoms norsuspicion of cardiopathy. However, in 57,1% it was possible to detect a history of dizziness (42,8%), dyspnoea on exertion(48%), loss of conciousness (34,2%) andpalpitations (31,4%). Dysphagia and or constipation was present in 38%. There was no correlation between symptomatology and the intensity of myocarditis on histopathological examination. In 56% the death occurred during physical exercise oran emotionalepisode. From the mannerof death we can conclude that there was no indication that such an event would occur in 43.8% of patients. In the rest the death waspreceeded by signs on thepart of the patient that he was in difficulty. Electrocardiograms were available from only fivepatients: all were abnormal.
Chagas' disease; Sudden death; Chagasic cardiomyopathy