[Sudden death in young athletes: Data from postmortem coronarography]

Two cases of sudden death of young athletes are analysed. Postmortal coronary angiography was performed and coronary index was estimated on the angiograms. Coronary index represents a ratio between the mean coronary caliber and myocardial weight thus reflecting myocardial blood supply. A decrease of coronary index in combination with myocardial fibrosis and necrosis was revealed. It is supposed that recurring myocardial necrosis developed because of hypoperfusion of hypertrophic myocardium during physical overstrain.