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Sudden cardiac death during anabolic steroid abuse: morphologic and toxicologic findings in two fatal cases of bodybuilders

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Abstract

We report two cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD) involving previously healthy bodybuilders who were chronic androgenic–anabolic steroids users. In both instances, autopsies, histology of the organs, and toxicologic screening were performed. Our findings support an emerging consensus that the effects of vigorous weight training, combined with anabolic steroid use and increased androgen sensitivity, may predispose these young men to myocardial injury and even SCD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Via L. Pinto, n°1, 71100, Foggia, Italy

    Vittorio Fineschi & Irene Riezzo

  2. Unit of Forensic Toxicology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    Fabio Centini

  3. Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Enrico Silingardi, Manuela Licata & Giovanni Beduschi

  4. P.O. Box 5139, Berkeley, CA, USA

    Steven B. Karch

Authors
  1. Vittorio Fineschi
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  2. Irene Riezzo
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  3. Fabio Centini
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  4. Enrico Silingardi
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  5. Manuela Licata
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  6. Giovanni Beduschi
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  7. Steven B. Karch
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Correspondence to Vittorio Fineschi.

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Fineschi, V., Riezzo, I., Centini, F. et al. Sudden cardiac death during anabolic steroid abuse: morphologic and toxicologic findings in two fatal cases of bodybuilders. Int J Legal Med 121, 48–53 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-005-0055-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-005-0055-9

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