An anomalous origin of left coronary artery and sudden death in a soccer player: a case report

Coronary artery anomalies, after hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, are the second most common cause of exercise-related sudden cardiac deaths. These anomalies have been associated with myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmia and sudden death during exercise. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva with anterior or posterior courses is not always thought to be a benign anomaly. A 22-year-old man died suddenly on a football field. At autopsy, there was an abnormal origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva. The abnormal course of the artery between the aorta and pulmonary trunk had limited victim's functional capacity. The history, cause of death and patho-physiology are discussed, and some preventive strategies suggested.