To observe in order to understand: what can the phenotype of the Quechua ethnicity tell us? - Issue 394 - e-poster presentation abstract

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

Case-based e-poster abstract exploring how phenotypic observation of a Quechua migrant can support clinical reasoning. A male patient from Bolivia, living in Catalunya for 23 years, presents with persistent mechanical lower back pain and no prior injuries. Following migrant-patient guidelines, Chagas screening is performed due to high morbidity, mortality, and endemicity in Bolivia. A positive Trypanosoma cruzi serology confirms silent neglected Chagas disease, prompting cardiovascular and digestive evaluation and echocardiographic assessment. The case emphasizes holistic listening and context; phenotype data is relevant but not conclusive.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Methods

Case presentation and clinical approach

Results

Screening and diagnostic confirmation

Conclusion

Importance of holistic observation

vi128 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.355 394 To observe in order to understand: what can the phenotype of the Quechua ethnicity tell us? Maria Mallart Raventos1 and Esther Caceres Malagelada2 1Anna Ali~no Escuriet, Cass de la Selva, Spain 2Núria Vidal Calvo, Cass de la Selva, Spain 3Paula Cortés Roig, Cass de la Selva, Spain 4Crisitna Garcia Navas, Cass de la Selva, Sapin EP2.2, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 3, 2025, 13:05-14:00 To observe in order to understand: what can the phenotype of the Quechua ethnicity tell us? Methods: We present our experience when diagnosing Chagas disease in a male migrant patient native of Bolivia who attends the GP due to a 3day-long lower back pain that does not ease when taking analgesics. No record of previous injuries. Expresses mechanical back pain when flexing/extending the torso. The patient migrated to Catalunya (Spain) 23 years ago due to socioeconomic reasons. We observe the phenotypic traits of the patient: brown skin, almond-shaped eyes, Roman nose, black, straight hair. We ask his place of origin. He is Quechua, from the Cochabamba valley in the Bolivian Andes mountains. Following the guidelines on migrant patients, we proceed to screen for Chagas disease due to it’s high morbidity and mortality and taking into account that Bolivia is the country with the highest prevalence in the world, where Chagas it’s an endemic disease. Results: We request a Trypanosoma Cruzi serology test, it comes out positive. Confirms Chagas disease, the silent neglected disease. From the Primary Health Centre we investigate about cardiovascular and digestive affectation and a screening of any electrocardiographic alterations. The patient is transfered to the Imported Disease Tropical Medicine Hospital Unit for the echocardiographic study given that 25-30% of Chagas patients have cardiac complications. Monitored and treated by both the Hospital and the Primary Health Centre. Conclusion: This case calls for the importance to look beyond the reasons for a GP appointment and consider the patient’s personal story. Understanding the patient’s personal context can save lives. The information that the phenotype of the migrant population provides is relevant, although not conclusive. It’s necessary to approach the patient with a holistic vision: to listen, understand and observe to provide the appropriate support.

FAQs

Why was Chagas disease screening initiated in this patient?

Screening followed guidelines for migrant patients, considering the patient’s origin from Bolivia, where Chagas is endemic and has high morbidity and mortality.

What diagnostic test confirmed the Chagas disease case?

A Trypanosoma cruzi serology test returned positive, confirming Chagas disease.

What further evaluations were performed after confirmation?

Cardiovascular and digestive involvement were investigated, electrocardiographic alterations were screened, and the patient was transferred for echocardiographic study due to potential cardiac complications.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky