SILENT STORM WITH ECHOES OF TRAGEDY UNRAVELING SUDDEN DEATH IN YOUTH – AN IN-DEPTH AUTOPSY CASE STUDY OF HYPERTROPHIC OBSTRUCTIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a rare but potentially fatal cardiac condition, particularly in young individuals, often presenting with sudden death. This case report presents the autopsy ndings of a young adult who succumbed to sudden death, with subsequent diagnosis of HOCM. The deceased, a 19- year-old male, experienced no prior signicant cardiac symptoms, making the sudden demise unexpected. Autopsy revealed left ventricular hypertrophy with asymmetric septal thickening, conrming the diagnosis of HOCM. Histological examination demonstrated myocardial disarray and brosis, typical of HOCM pathology. Notably, the absence of a family history of cardiac disease complicated the initial diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering HOCM in the differential diagnosis of sudden cardiac death, even in individuals without apparent symptoms or family history. Early recognition and appropriate management of HOCM are critical to prevent potentially fatal outcomes in young individuals. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly in the context of sudden cardiac death, is imperative for prompt diagnosis and intervention.