Re: Sudden Death

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 06, 1998 at 09:27:00:

In Reply to: Sudden Death posted by T.S. on April 04, 1998 at 09:48:29:






Are there some syndromes or heart-related illnesses that can cause sudden death
in a teenage (15 years) girl?  A friend restrained a girl, face down, holding
arms to her sides.  She passed out, was resuscitated, was in a coma for two days,
then died.  The friend may be blamed for the death since the autopsy showed no
reason for it.  Thanks for any leads on this!  T.S.
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Dear T.S.,
There are several potential causes of sudden cardiac death in a teenager.  Two broad categories of diseases are structural heart problems, such as problems with heart valves, and arrhythmia problems, such as fast heart rates.  The former category includes diseases such as hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and certain congenital coronary anomalies.  The latter category includes diseases such as long QT syndrome and WPW syndrome.  Blunt trauma to the chest is also a cause of sudden cardiac death.
An autopsy would identify most structural heart problems, if the pathologists were looking for these.  In addition, the situation you describe is not what is classically meant by sudden cardiac death.  The purpose of this forum is to provide medical information of a general nature.  Your friend should obtain legal advice from a qualified lawyer.