Journal Published Online: 01 July 1991
Volume 36, Issue 4

Association of Right Coronary Artery Hypoplasia with Sudden Death in an Eleven-Year-Old Child

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Congenital coronary artery abnormalities are a rare but well-documented cause of sudden and unexpected death in the pediatric age group. Most reported cases involve both an aberrant origin and course of the abnormal vessel. A case of unexpected death occurring in an otherwise healthy eleven-year-old boy, who had been previously investigated for sudden collapse, is described. The major finding at autopsy was marked disparity in diameter between the coronary arteries due to diffuse hypoplasia of the right coronary artery. This case demonstrates the importance of meticulous examination of the coronary artery system in cases of sudden death in childhood so that significant reduction in luminal cross section will be adequately documented. The possible role played by this finding in the etiology of sudden death is discussed.

Author Information

Byard, RW
Adelaide Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
Smith, NM
Adelaide Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
Bourne, AJ
Adelaide Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13142J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13142J