Tako-tsubo syndrome: a potential role for cytomegalovirus infection.

The tako-tsubo syndrome is a transient cardiomyopathy of unknown origin, which mimics acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease. This novel syndrome is characterized by chest pain, ST-segment changes, minimal enzymatic release, and balloon-like asynergy of the apical region. We report a case of tako-tsubo syndrome associated with acute cytomegalovirus infection and discuss the possible role of a viral aetiology in the onset of this syndrome.