Myocardial Bridging Leading to Cardiac Collapse in a Marathon Runner

Abstract

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly, which is defined as cardiac muscle overlying a portion of a coronary artery. Although traditionally considered benign in nature, increasing attention is being given to specific subsets of MB. Sports medicine recognizes MB as a cause of sudden death among young athletes. We present a case of a 30-year-old man who suddenly collapsed during a marathon running. Diagnostic workup with coronary computed tomography angiography revealed the presence of three simultaneous myocardial bridges in this patient, possibly explaining the exercise-induced syncope. The other diagnostic tests excluded seizures, cranioencephalic lesions, ionic or metabolic disturbances, acute coronary syndromes, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, or conduction disturbances. Exertional syncope is a high-risk complaint in the marathon runner. In the context of intense physical activity, the increased sympathetic tone leading to tachycardia and increased myocardial contractility facilitates MB ischemia. In this illustrative case, the patient’s syncope might probably be associated with an ischemia-induced arrhythmia secondary to MB and potentiated by dehydration in the context of prolonged stress (marathon running). In conclusion, this case highlights that MB may be associated with dangerous complications (myocardial ischemia and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias), particularly during intense physical activity and in the presence of a long myocardial bridge.

Keywords

• myocardial bridging
• coronary vessel anomaly
• cardiac collapse
• exertional syncope
• marathon running
• arrhythmia