Evaluation of the athlete who 'goes to ground'

The athlete represents the healthiest segment of our society. Yet, there are still reports of sudden death occurring while on the athletic field. Any athlete who 'goes to ground' temporarily (syncope) warrants an immediate investigation. The differential diagnosis of syncope is wide-ranging. However, if a cardiac cause is the underlying etiology of an athlete with syncope, and that athlete participates and has another syncopal episode the likelihood of resuscitation may be quite low. This article reviews the most common causes of sudden death in athletes (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, anomalous coronary arteries, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy). Important attention will be centered on the pathophysiology of each abnormality and how it contributes to symptoms of syncope and sudden death. Also, the ideal evaluation of each will be reviewed. Recommendations regarding eligibility for competition in sports with each underlying abnormality will be reviewed. In addition, this article will review the evaluation of children and young adults who wish to participate in athletics.