[Sudden cardiac death and coronary thrombus]

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is most often due to an acute coronary artery occlusion. The cause of coronary thrombosis in cardiac arrest is debated. Plaque erosion could be a trigger leading to immediate thrombus formation followed by ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia. Coronary artery spasm is frequent: spasm provocation tests should be performed in survivors with normal coronary arteries. Use of drugs such as cocaine can lead to sudden death and blood sampling at arrival is recommended in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Delivery of immediate and effective basic life support remains the most important predictive factor for survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.