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[Sudden death of a young man as late sequelae complicating a pediatric disease: About a case]
Clémence Pierry1, Camille Franchet1, Lucile Tuchtan-Torrents2
1Service de médecine légale et droit de la santé, université d'Aix-Marseille, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille, France.
Insights
Kawasaki disease can cause sudden cardiac death in young adults, even without a prior diagnosis. Early recognition of its cardiac sequelae is crucial for preventing fatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant cause of mortality in France, particularly among young adults.
- While atherosclerosis is common in older adults, cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are key etiologies in younger individuals.
- Acquired cardiac disorders also contribute to SCD.
Abstract:
In France, sudden death is responsible every year for 40,000 deaths. The most frequent etiology is cardiac disease. Atheromatous-related pathology is the most common etiology beyond 35, but cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are responsible for a significant number of deaths in young adults. Some acquired disorders can also cause sudden cardiac death. We report the case of a 17-year-old man who died suddenly after sport. Autopsy and pathological study found multiple giant coronary aneurysms. Thrombosis and fibrous scar of myocardial ischemic events were observed. These lesions were in favor of late sequelae of Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki disease is a rare but not exceptional cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults. In the lack of known clinical history, some aspects, even not specific, should evoke this diagnosis. Even in front of apparent good clinical tolerance, these sequelae require appropriate follow-up because of a significant risk of sudden death.
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