Sudden Cardiac Death in a Case of Non-Dominant Coronary Artery Obstruction Without Depressed Left Ventricular Function

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction complicated with lethal cardiac arrhythmia remains the major cause of sudden death. The possible clinical presentation leading to lethal ventricular arrhythmia has been demonstrated but the data are limited. The previous study revealed no significant correlation between sudden cardiac death and the location of coronary obstruction site. And the possible mechanism of sudden cardiac death in non-dominant coronary artery obstruction is unclear. We presented a case of acute myocardial infarction with mid left circumflex artery occlusion complicated with new onset atrial fibrillation initially. The rhythm degenerated into ventricular fibrillation immediately and sudden cardiac death occurred. After resuscitation, he received coronary angioplasty, and the rhythm recovered to sinus after the occluded coronary artery reopened. We thick new onset atrial fibrillation could be a potential risk factor leading to sudden death in acute myocardial infarction with obstruction of non-dominant coronary artery. Control of ventricular rate and early restoration of sinus rhythm may be potential benefit.