An Autopsy Report of Hypoplastic Coronary Artery Disease Incidentally Identified in a Young Man
10.7580/kjlm.2021.45.4.156
- Author:
Ji Hyun PARK
1
;
Yo Han JEON
;
Sangjoon CHOI
;
Jong Kyu LEE
;
Nam Seok YEO
;
SangHan LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Forensic Medicine, Defense Institute of Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation Command, Ministry of National Defense, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Forensic Figure
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2021;45(4):156-158
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Hypoplastic coronary artery disease (HCAD) is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by underdevelopment of one or more major branches of the coronary arteries, which may lead to myocardial infarction and sudden death. We report a case of HCAD that was incidentally detected during autopsy in a 25-year-old male soldier who died during underwater escape training. On macroscopic examination, the right coronary artery measured 1 mm in diameter, which was significantly smaller than that of other coronary arteries. We observed no anomalies in addition to HCAD. Death was attributed to drowning, which was consistent with autopsy findings and the circumstances of death. Although extremely rare, if sudden cardiac death is suspected in children and young adults, it must be confirmed through careful evaluation.
