Sudden death due to single coronary artery
1Forensic Medicine Department, Uludag University Medical Faculty, Görükle, Bursa, Turkey.
Insights
A rare solitary coronary artery anomaly, originating from the right aortic sinus, was identified in a sudden death case. Autopsy findings highlight the medicolegal importance of detecting these coronary artery pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Coronary artery anomalies can be solitary or associated with complex cardiac malformations.
- These anomalies pose a risk of sudden cardiac death.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male experienced sudden illness and loss of consciousness, leading to death on the same day.
- Autopsy revealed a solitary coronary artery anomaly originating from the right aortic sinus with a hole-like ostium.
Findings:
- The heart weighed 410g, with a single coronary artery arising from the right aortic sinus.
- The coronary ostium measured 0.8 cm and was hole-like in shape.
Implications:
- Autopsy demonstration of coronary artery pathologies is crucial for sudden death investigations.
- Understanding these anomalies aids in developing new treatment strategies and emphasizes medicolegal significance.
Abstract:
Coronary artery anomalies that entail a risk of sudden death are frequently associated with complex cardiac malformations but may occasionally be solitary. A 31-year-old man became ill in the night and lost consciousness. He was taken to a hospital where he was treated. However, he died on the same day. The death was considered to be suspicious and an autopsy was mandated. On macroscopic examination, the heart weighed 410 g. A single coronary artery that originated from the right aortic sinus was found. The coronary artery ostium was 0.8 cm in diameter and had a hole-like shape. Demonstration of coronary artery pathologies in autopsies is vital for the elucidation of sudden death cases related to these lesions and for the development of new treatment approaches. The aims of this case report are to contribute to a better understanding of the coronary artery anomalies and emphasise their medicolegal importance.
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