[Coronary artery anomalies as a cause of sudden death in young people].

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death in a young person is rare. In contrast to older persons, where atherosclerotic heart disease is the most common cause; cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, commotio cordis and coronary artery anomalies are more common in the young.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This report comprises the autopsy findings in two young persons who died suddenly and a short review of relevant literature.

RESULTS

Coronary artery anomalies were demonstrated in both cases. The left coronary artery emerged from the right sinus of Valsalva and passed between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. In one of the cases there was a recent myocardial infarction.

INTERPRETATION: The most frequent coronary anomalies are of no clinical significance, but some are associated with an increased risk of sudden death. One of the most important anomalies is where the left coronary artery arises from the right sinus of Valsalva and passes between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.