FERNANDEZ-CASCALES, MÁ et al. Silent coronary chronic occlusion as a cause of sudden death in athletes. []. , 22, 3-4, pp.98-101. ISSN 1988-611X.

Total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is extremely rare. Most common cause is severe atherosclerosis. Clinical presentation of acute occlusion is usually catastrophic and it has been associated with poor prognosis. Chronic total occlusion presents with anginal syndrome. The duration of angina may vary from weeks to many years. It is important to bare in mind that the chronic occlusion may be compatible with life whenever there is an adequate collateral blood flow that it maintaining left ventricular function. We report two athletes that suffering sudden death in whom chronic total occlusion of the left main coronary artery and proximal anterior descending was found at arteriography or necropsy.

: Coronary chronic occlusion; Sudden death; Athletes.

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