This text atlas focuses on the pathology and molecular genetics of sudden cardiac death in the
young and in athletes presenting the state of the art in the field as the basis for
development and implementation of more effective prevention strategies including ultimately
molecular therapy that will cure the underlying biological defect. A wealth of high-resolution
color images accompanied by clear supporting text are presented to document the anatomic
pathology of the cardiac diseases most frequently responsible for sudden cardiac death in this
population including coronary artery diseases cardiomyopathies myocarditis valve diseases
conduction system abnormalities congenital heart diseases and ion channel diseases. The role
of the molecular autopsy in overcoming the limitations of morphological investigations and
offering new insights and avenues for prevention is explained. The approach is however
interdisciplinary with close attention also to epidemiologic and clinical aspects. The authors
draw throughout on their experience gained over 30 years in the course of a prospective study
carried out in the Veneto Region North East Italy. This text atlas will be of great value not
only for cardiologists but also for geneticists sports physicians and residents in cardiology
and pathology.
