Sudden cardiac death after repair of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from right sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial courseCase report and review of the literature

Anomalous aortic origin of the coronary artery from the opposite sinus with interarterial course (AAOCA) is a rare condition with a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) during or after strenuous exertion. SCD after repair of this anomaly is extremely rare. Here we present a 15-year-old athlete who collapsed on the basketball court in whom an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva with interarterial course (ALCA) was diagnosed. In spite of extensive pre-sport participation testing, SCD occurred shortly after surgical correction. We reviewed the literature to establish an evidence-based recommendation to aid physicians in conducting the optimal pre-sport participation management for the prevention of SCD in patients with a surgically corrected AAOCA/ALCA, especially for those who participate in strenuous exercise. Review of the literature (60 articles with 325 patients) reveals that post-surgical, pre-sport participation testing varies greatly but that mortality after surgical repair is extremely low (1.5 %). In conclusion, SCD can still rarely occur after repair of AAOCA despite extensive pre-sport participation testing. This should raise awareness among physicians treating these patients and raises the question whether or not return-to-play guidelines need to be revised.