Citation

Bux R, Parzeller M, Raschka C, Bratzke H. Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. 2004; 129(18): 997-1001.

Vernacular Title

Vorzeichen und Ursachen des plötzlichen Todes im Zusammenhang mit sportlicher Betätigung.

Affiliation

Zentrum der Rechtsmedizin, J. W. Goethe-Universität, FFM. bux@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Comment In:

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2004;129(31-32):1700.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2004-823171

PMID

15131745

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study provides an overview on presymptoms and causes of sport-related death and suggests preventive measures. METHODS: 29 436 autopsies of the Centre of Legal Medicine at the University of Frankfurt/Main from 1972 to 2001 were analysed and compared with a control group. RESULTS: 96 men (95 %, average age 53.3 years) and 5 women (5 %, average age 36.4 years) were involved in 101 fatalities connected with sports (0.34 % of all autopsies). 78 athletes (77.2 %) died during, 20 (19.8 %) immediately after sport activities. Immediately before death 18 of 50 persons concerned were free of symptoms, twelve complained of nausea and vomiting, seven of vertigo, five of weakness, four of epigastric pain and dyspnoea, three exhibited angina pectoris symptoms. The day before death 7 of 25 athletes had symptoms like angina pectoris, nausea, backache and palpitation. 84 fatalities (83.2 %) were due to coronary heart disease. Seven were due to myocarditis (6.9 %), in four cases (26.7 %) among athletes younger than 36. Among children and adolescents (n = 4) myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and in two cases a valvular defect of the heart were the cause of death. In comparison to controls death in elder athletes due to coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction was high significantly more common and athletes died significantly younger. CONCLUSIONS: Further prospective investigations are needed to provide strategies for prevention.

Language: de