Toxoplasmosis and the Heart

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a parasite with high prevalence in tropical regions. Most infections show minimal symptoms, but immunocompromised patients tend to have a poor prognosis. Cardiovascular (CV) 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 CV implications of toxoplasmosis. Relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE/PubMed database, and 48 articles were ultimately included. This was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 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.