Sudden Cardiac Death in a Young Athlete: Imaging Techniques to Evaluate the Etiology

Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare form of congenital heart disease with varying implications. Although most of the population with this congenital heart defect may remain completely asymptomatic and never know of the diagnosis, the risk of sudden cardiac death among healthy children and young adults during or just after exercise is significant. A previously healthy adolescent female athlete presented to the pediatric intensive care unit after sudden cardiac arrest on the playing field. She was successfully resuscitated, and further imaging revealed a diagnosis of AAOCA. She underwent surgical correction of her defect without complications. AAOCA remains a rare and often undetected form of congenital heart disease based on the asymptomatic nature of the defect; however, with proper imaging, a diagnosis can be made to allow for correct treatment.