Medicolegal Challenges of Advising At-Risk Patients

In brief The case of a talented baseball pitcher who has Marfan's syndrome sets the stage for an examination of the medicolegal issues posed by athletes at risk for sudden death. The medical literature is somewhat unclear whether sports participation is unsafe for all individuals with Marfan's syndrome. Legal precedent has established guidelines on the "right to participate" and on informed consent. For medical and legal reasons, physicians need to establish appropriate risk management and informed consent procedures.