Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Flaccid cardiomegaly refers to the abnormal enlargement of the heart characterized by weak, floppy cardiac muscles. It is often associated with parasitic infections affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Flaccid cardiomegaly can result from Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which causes Chagas disease.
It leads to a decrease in heart muscle contractility, compromising blood circulation.
Patients may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the extremities.
Diagnosis often involves imaging techniques such as echocardiography or MRI to assess heart size and function.
Treatment may include antiparasitic medications along with supportive care to manage heart failure symptoms.
An imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to visualize the heart's structure and function.
Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often resulting from conditions like flaccid cardiomegaly.