Sudden unexpected death in sports

Asymptomatic aortic stenosis and unexpected death in the trauma patient

We report the cases of two young trauma patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis who died after nonlethal blunt traumatic injuries. In both cases, their deaths were attributed to their underlying valvular disease. Awareness of the incidence of asymptomatic aortic stenosis and its potential physiologic hazard to the trauma victim may facilitate management of these difficult patients.

Medicolegal Challenges of Advising At-Risk Patients

In brief The case of a talented baseball pitcher who has Marfan's syndrome sets the stage for an examination of the medicolegal issues posed by athletes at risk for sudden death. The medical literature is somewhat unclear whether sports participation is unsafe for all individuals with Marfan's syndrome. Legal precedent has established guidelines on the "right to participate" and on informed consent. For medical and legal reasons, physicians need to establish appropriate risk management and informed consent procedures.