Virus-like particles associated with intracardiac ganglionitis in 2 cases of sudden unexpected death.

Two previously healthy young individuals died suddenly and unexpectedly, and in both of them there was ganglionitis in the heart, especially near the sinus node. Electron microscopic examination demonstrated virus-like particles in the vicinity of the ganglionitis of both hearts. Viral cardioneuropathy may play a role in the pathogenesis of sudden unexpected deaths and deserves further investigation.