Ancillary testing in patients with chronic Chagas disease After Chagas disease is diagnosed, the following tests should be done, depending on findings: No symptoms but documented T cruzi infection: A screening ECG and rhythm strip and a chest x-ray Potential cardiac abnormalities on a screening test or symptoms suggesting heart disease: Echocardiography Dysphagia or other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms or findings: GI contrast studies and / or endoscopy Treatment of Chagas Disease Benznidazole or nifurtimox Supportive care Treatment of acute-stage Chagas disease with antiparasitic drugs does the following: Rapidly reduces parasitemia Shortens the clinical illness Reduces risk of mortality Decreases the likelihood of chronic disease Antiparasitic treatment is indicated for all cases of acute, congenital, or reactivated Chagas disease and for chronic indeterminate infection in children up to age 18 years.