[Miguel Dias Pimenta (1661-1715) and the history of chagasic megaesophagus and megacolon].

In the present study an attempt was made to analyse from a clinical viewpoint the descriptions in the book "Noticias do que he o achaque do bicho" by Miguel Dias Pimenta (1661-1715), which are considered by some authors to be the first reference to the chagasic megaesophagus and megacolon that appeared in history. In descriptions considered to refer megaesophagus, although dysphagia, the major symptom of this disease, is not recognized, typical manifestations of a irritating, inflammatory or ulcerative condition are identified, not affecting the esophagus but the stomach. In the description considered to refer to megacolon, the signs and symptoms suggest the diagnostic possibility of hemorrhoids and of the "achaque do bicho" itself, and do not recall the clinical picture of the chagasic megacolon in an absolute manner. On this basis, there is no reason to maintain the book "Noticias do que he o achaque do bicho" within the history of the digestive form of Chagas' disease.