Subarterial ventricular septal defect in an infant with sudden unexpected death: cause or coincidence?

A case of unexpected death in a 3-month-old infant with a subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) is described. Although VSDs in medically stable infants are not usually associated with fatal outcome, this case and review of the literature suggest that a small percentage of such patients may have an increased risk of sudden death.