An unexpected cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a young swimmer

• Published in: Journal of arrhythmia Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 690 - 692
• Main Authors: Cia Mendioroz, Xabier, Garcia‐Izquierdo, Eusebio, Mingo Santos, Susana, Castro‐Urda, Victor, Toquero‐Ramos, Jorge, Fernandez‐Lozano, Ignacio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.06.2021; John Wiley and Sons Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Adults; Aneurysms; Calcification; Cardiac arrest; Cardiac Arrhythmia Spot Light; coronary aneurysms; Coronary heart disease; Coronary vessels; Defibrillators; Development and progression; Ejection fraction; Electrocardiogram; Electrocardiography; Etiology; Fitness equipment; Ischemia; Kawasaki disease; Medical imaging; Patients; sudden cardiac arrest; Swimming; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 1880-4276; 1883-2148
• DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12530

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an uncommon but devastating event among young adults. While inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies represent an important proportion of sudden deaths, coronary artery disease remains a significant contributor in this age group. ECG findings are essential to guide the first steps of diagnostic work‐up of SCA, but sometimes can overlap between different etiologies. In this article we present a 16‐year‐old female who experienced SCA during vigorous swimming whose ECG was compatible with long QT syndrome. However, evaluation of the coronary anatomy provided the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. Sudden cardiac arrest is uncommon among young adults. Inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are the most frequently identified cardiac etiologies. However, assessment of coronary artery anatomy is mandatory in order to rule out coronary artery anomalies.