Abstract

PRATA, João Antonio; PRATA JR, João Antonio; CORREIA, Dalmo  and  PRATA, Aluizio R.. Ocular alterations in chronic Chagas' disease: evidence at endemic Água Comprida region. Arq. Bras. Oftalmol. [online]. 2000, vol.63, n.6, pp. 445-448. ISSN 0004-2749.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0004-27492000000600003.

Purpose: To prove, also at Água Comprida (MG), the higher incidence of anisocoria and lower IOP levels in chagasic patients formerly detected at Mambai (GO), both endemic Chagas' areas. Material and methods: In a prospective, masked and paired study, 190 patients were evaluated. Pairing was according to age, sex and race. Pupil diameter was determined in 84 pairs using photography. Anisocoria was considered when a difference > 0.3 mm was observed. IOP was analyzed in 95 pairs. Results: 25 chagasic patients (29.8%) and 10 controls (11.9%) had anisocoria. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.007). There were no differences in pupil diameter between chagasic patients and controls for OD or OS. Chagasic patients had a mean IOP of 11.3±2.5 mmHg (OD) and 11.3±2.4 mmHg (OS) and controls showed mean IOPs of 13.1±2.6 and 13.1±2.5 mmHg respectively. The differences between chagasic patients and controls were statistically significant for OD and OS (pOD=pOE <0.0001). The comparison of IOP levels according to sex was also statistically significant (females p =0.002, males p= 0.003). Conclusion: The results demonstrate a higher frequency of anisocoria and lower IOP levels in chronic chagasic patients.

Keywords : Anisocoria; Intraocular pressure alterations; Chagas' disease.