Sudden death due to malignant hyperthermia.

A case of sudden death in a young athlete, most likely the result of malignant hyperthermia, is reported. This diagnosis was entertained at autopsy and later confirmed by muscle biopsy on the father of the deceased, who was proven to be susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. The condition should be strongly suspected at autopsy in unexplained sudden deaths of young adults occurring during exercise or under stress.