Background: Chagas Disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, with some of the most serious manifestations affecting the cardiovascular system. It is a chronic, stigmatizing condition, closely associated with poverty and affecting close to 6 million people globally. Although historically the disease was limited to endemic areas of Latin America recent years have seen an increasing global spread. In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, the social and economic burdens on individuals and society are substantial. Often called the 'silent killer', Chagas disease is characterized by a long, asymptomatic phase in affected indivi duals. A pproximately 30% then go on develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and other serious cardiac complications such as stroke, rhythm disturbances and severe heart failure. Methods: In a collaboration of the World Hearth Federation (WHF) and the Inter-American S ociety of Cardiology (IASC) a writing group consisting of 20 diverse experts on Chagas disease (CD) was convened. The group provided up to date expert knowledge based on their area of expertise. An extensive review of the literature describing obstacles to diagnosis and treatment Echeverría et al: WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease Art. 26, page 2 of 31 of CD along with proposed solutions was conducted. A survey was sent to all WHF Members and, using snowball sampling to widen the consultation, to a variety of health care professionals working in the CD global health community. The results were analyzed, open comments were reviewed and consolidated, and the findings were incorporated into this document, thus ensuring a consensus representation. Results: The WHF IASC Roadmap on Chagas Disease offers a comprehensive summary of current knowledge on prevention, diagnosis and management of the disease. In providing an analysis of 'roadblocks' in access to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients, the document serves as a framework from which strategies for implementation such as national plans can be formulated. Several dimensions are considered in the analysis: healthcare system capabilities, governance, financing, community awareness and advocacy. Conclusion: The WHF IASC Roadmap proposes strategies and evidence-based solutions for healthcare professionals, health authorities and governments to help overcome the barriers to comprehensive care for Chagas disease patients. This roadmap describes an ideal patient care pathway, and explores the roadblocks along the way, offering potential solutions based on available research and examples in practice. It represents a call to action to decision-makers and health care professionals to step up efforts to eradicate Chagas disease.

Among patients with severe asymptomatic organic mitral regurgitation, BNP > or =105 pg/ml discriminates a subgroup of patients at higher risk. Because of its incremental prognostic value, BNP assessment should be considered in clinical routine workup for risk stratification.

Among patients with severe asymptomatic aortic regurgitation and normal left ventricular function, BNP ≥130 pg/ml categorizes a subgroup of patients at higher risk. Because of its incremental prognostic value, we believe BNP assessment should be used in the routine clinical evaluation of these patients.

Background: A recent survey revealed that many European surgeons have concerns about the oncological safety of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: A pan-European retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent MIDP or open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for PDAC (2007-2015). MIDP patients were matched to ODP patients (1:1) based on propensity scores obtained via multivariable logistic regression including only preoperatively variables: sex, age, BMI, ASA, prior abdominal surgery, surgery year, tumor location and size. Primary outcome was radical (R0) resection rate. Results: In total, 1336 patients were included from 33 centers in 11 countries. Mortality was 2% and median survival 29 months. Of 369(28%) MIDP patients, 239 could be matched to an ODP patient. Conversion rate was 21%(n=44). After matching, R0 resection rate was 66%(n=149) for MIDP vs 52%(n=119) for ODP (p=0.002), lymph node retrieval was 13(IQR=7-23) vs 19(IQR=12-26)(p<0.001), the use of adjuvant chemotherapy was 72% vs 67% (p=0.28) and median overall survival (31 vs 26 months (p=0.51). Major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo 3-4) was 16%(n=36) vs 24%(n=53)(p=0.06), 90-day mortality 1%(n=2) vs 2%(n=4)(P=0.44) and hospital stay 7(IQR=5-10) vs 9(IQR=7-14) days (p<0.001). Conclusion: This pan-European propensity score matched analysis suggests short term benefits for MIDP over ODP. A randomized controlled trial is, however, needed to confirm the oncologic safety of MIDP for PDAC.

No abstract