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  • Title: Etiology of Sudden Death in Sports: Insights From a United Kingdom Regional Registry.
    Author: Finocchiaro G, Papadakis M, Robertus JL, Dhutia H, Steriotis AK, Tome M, Mellor G, Merghani A, Malhotra A, Behr E, Sharma S, Sheppard MN.
    Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol; 2016 May 10; 67(18):2108-2115. PubMed ID: 27151341.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes and its precipitating factors is necessary to establish preventative strategies. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated causes of SCD and their association with intensive physical activity in a large cohort of athletes. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2014, 357 consecutive cases of athletes who died suddenly (mean 29 ± 11 years of age, 92% males, 76% Caucasian, 69% competitive) were referred to our cardiac pathology center. All subjects underwent detailed post-mortem evaluation, including histological analysis by an expert cardiac pathologist. Clinical information was obtained from referring coroners. RESULTS: Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) was the most prevalent cause of death (n = 149 [42%]). Myocardial disease was detected in 40% of cases, including idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and/or fibrosis (n = 59, 16%); arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) (13%); and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (6%). Coronary artery anomalies occurred in 5% of cases. SADS and coronary artery anomalies affected predominantly young athletes (≤ 35 years of age), whereas myocardial disease was more common in older individuals. SCD during intense exertion occurred in 61% of cases; ARVC and left ventricular fibrosis most strongly predicted SCD during exertion. CONCLUSIONS: Conditions predisposing to SCD in sports demonstrate a significant age predilection. The strong association of ARVC and left ventricular fibrosis with exercise-induced SCD reinforces the need for early detection and abstinence from intense exercise. However, almost 40% of athletes die at rest, highlighting the need for complementary preventive strategies.
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