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Anomalous Left Main Coronary Artery in a Young Athlete: A Rare Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death

Kha Cong Van1, Mark Gustafson2, Caitlin Thomas2

  • 1Emergency Department, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, USA.

Cureus
|September 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sudden cardiac death in young athletes can be caused by rare coronary artery anomalies. This case highlights the importance of considering anomalous left main coronary artery in young individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Defects
  • Sports Cardiology

Background:

  • Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young individuals is a critical concern requiring thorough etiological investigation.
  • Coronary artery anomalies are infrequent congenital heart defects with a documented association with SCD in younger populations.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old male athlete experienced sudden cardiac arrest.
  • The patient was diagnosed with an anomalous left main coronary artery (ALCA) originating from the right coronary sinus.

Findings:

  • Anomalous left main coronary artery (ALCA) is a rare congenital anomaly.
  • This specific anomaly has been linked to SCD in young athletes, particularly during strenuous physical activity.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider congenital coronary artery anomalies in the differential diagnosis for young patients presenting with sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Early identification and understanding of these anomalies are crucial for preventing SCD in athletes.

Keywords:
anomalous left main coronary arterycoronary artery angiographycoronary artery anomalies originright coronary sinussudden cardiac death (scd)

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