SUDDEN-DEATH IN ATHLETES - BASED UPON 23 CASES WITH AUTOPSY

The results of a series of 930 coroner's autopsies were analysed retrospectively with the aim of determining the incidence and cause of sudden death during sports activities. Twenty three cases are reported (2.57 %) of autopsies of individuals who otherwise had no traumatic lesion and no cerebral or abdominal pathology. Family history revealed no factor likely to favourise sudden death. The sports involved corresponded with various standard activities in France. Patients aged under 35 had a wide range of cardiac diseases. Almost all those aged over 35 dies as a result of coronary diseases. This study shows the relative rarity but also the difficulty of preventing such accidents, in particular in the young individual.