ENTEROVIRUS AND CARDIOMYOPATHY

Enteroviruses are considered to be the most common agents implicated i n myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. By the polymerase chain reaction (PC R) gene amplification, a very sensitive and specifique technique, we d emonstrated viral RNA which indicates establishment of a persistent en teroviral infection. However, discordant data are obtained by the diff erent studies using molecular biology. We conclude that the role of en teroviruses in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy is not fully establi shed and that further studies are warranted.