The American journal of medicine
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Sudden deaths (SDs) in young people, including competitive athletes, albeit uncommon, are usually attributable to genetic, congenital or acquired cardiovascular conditions. However, it is under-appreciated that mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a relatively common valvular heart disease, is associated with SD in this youthful population. ⋯ Arrhythmogenic myxomatous degeneration (MVP) is an under-recognized cause of SD in young people, including competitive athletes, disproportionally affecting females and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Frequency of left ventricular fibrosis in these young people with MVP suggests a mechanism for ventricular tachyarrhythmias and SD, relevant to future risk stratification.