[Ampulla cardiomyopathy induced by meningitis: two case reports].

Two patients presented with ampulla cardiomyopathy induced by meningitis. A 71-year-old man with meningitis was admitted to our neurosurgery division. Emergent coronary angiography was performed, because of sudden blood pressure fall and ST elevation in the precordial leads. Left ventriculography and coronary angiography revealed apical ballooning without coronary stenosis. A 73-year-old woman with meningitis was admitted to another hospital. She felt chest pain. Electrocardiography showed ST elevation in the precordial leads. She was transferred to our division. Echocardiography revealed apical ballooning and hyperkinesis of the base. Creatine kinase level showed no elevation on admission or 8 hr later. Ampulla cardiomyopathy with cerebrovascular disease is common, but rare with meningitis, which needs intensive care because of the risk of respiratory arrest.