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Traumatic myocardial infarction during competitive volleyball: a case report
P D Grossfeld1, D B Friedman, B D Levine
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas 75235.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Blunt chest trauma from a volleyball impact caused a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in a healthy man. Underlying coronary artery disease may increase risk for such traumatic cardiac events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Sports-related injuries can have significant cardiovascular consequences.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is typically associated with atherosclerosis, not direct trauma.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old physically active male experienced chest pain after being hit by a volleyball.
- He developed an extensive anteroapical myocardial infarction despite thrombolytic therapy.
Findings:
- Cardiac catheterization revealed a 70% occlusion in the mid left anterior descending coronary artery.
- The case suggests traumatic coronary artery thrombosis as a cause of acute MI.
- Underlying coronary artery disease may be a predisposing factor for traumatic MI.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for sports-related chest trauma to precipitate acute coronary events.
- Physicians should consider traumatic coronary artery thrombosis in athletes presenting with cardiac symptoms after chest impact.
- Screening for underlying coronary artery disease may be warranted in athletes with a history of significant chest trauma.