Sudden death following a single coronary ostium located below an aortic valve leaflet: A rare autopsy case and review of the literature
Abstract
Congenital coronary anomalies are rare but can cause serious cardiovascular events, including sudden death, in both young and old. A forensic autopsy of a 67-year-old woman found dead at her home revealed a single low coronary ostium located under an aortic valve leaflet, with an unobstructed coronary pathway. Myocardial scarring from a previous infarction was identified in the interventricular septum. This case illustrates the importance of recognising congenital coronary anomalies, even in elderly people, and evaluating their possible role in a sudden and unexplained deaths. A review of the literature of congenital coronary anomalies is provided to put this case into context.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Coronary Artery Anomalies
Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias
Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Medico-Legal Journal
- Volume
- 94
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 158–161
- Publication date
- 4 March 2026
- Language
- EN