Chagas disease is the eponym used to describe American trypanosomiasis. The infection, caused by the protozoan parasitic Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted to humans by biting insects called triatomines. Globally, approximately eight million people are infected by this parasite. Between 10 and 30% of infected individuals will progress to the chronic form of Chagas. Patients who develop chronic Chagas disease often present with the classic triad of findings including megaesophagus, megacolon, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Early detection of Chagas disease is important because the acute infection is readily treated and cured. If the disease is not detected or not treated during its early stages, it may advance to the chronic form. Manifestations of chronic Chagas disease do not respond to treatments used for acute infection and often confer significant morbidity.