Orbital Cellulitis in Chagas Disease: An Unusual Presentation

Chagas disease is an inflammatory, infectious disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi found in the feces of the triatomine bug, which can cause a sudden, brief acute illness, or it may become a long-lasting chronic condition. Chagas disease is common in South America and Central America, however, the constantly expanding global community has brought Chagas disease to the forefront of non-endemic areas, particularly the United States and Europe. The authors present a case of a 47-year-old healthy farmer diagnosed with a right orbital cellulitis refractory to systemic antibiotics. Based on clinical symptoms, the patient's medical/demographical history and a proper differential diagnosis, an acute phase of Chagas disease was diagnosed. After antiparasitic treatment, the patient had a proper recovery and continued with a regular follow-up to monitor the possible development of a chronic phase.