An Autopsy Case of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease in Sudden Death of a Young Man
10.7580/kjlm.2024.48.2.52
- Author:
Jae-Hui KIM
1
;
Jihyun PARK
;
Sang Won LEE
;
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
2024;48(2):52-54
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is an uncommon disease in young adults, unless there is a congenital anomaly in the aortic valve. We report a case of CAVD identified during the autopsy of a 26-year-old male soldier who died in his room while sitting on a chair. Macroscopic examination revealed multiple nodules in the semilunar cusps of the aortic valve, and that the commissure of semilunar valve cusps was slightly fused. Under microscopic examination, fibrotic nodules with neovascularization were identified in the fibrosa layer of the aortic valve, although neither calcification nor chronic inflammation were identified in the fibrotic nodule. Mitral valve prolapse and left ventricular hypertrophy with interstitial fibrosis were also identified. Microscopic examination of CAVD typically shows calcified nodules in the fibrosa layer of the valve, but fibrosis alone, without calcification, can be observed in the early stage of the disease. Death from CAVD is rare in young adults, so careful examination must be taken not to misdiagnose this condition with rheumatic valvular disease, which is relatively common in this population.
