A fatal case of commotio cordis caused by an accidental fall on the beach

Commotio cordis in non-sports-related injury: A scoping review

Commotio cordis is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by sudden cardiac arrest resulting from a blunt chest impact. While commotio cordis has traditionally been associated with sports-related activities, a significant proportion of cases occur in non-sport-related settings, such as assaults, motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), and daily activities. This critical review examines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of non-sports-related commotio cordis cases, highlighting the need for increased awareness and improved management in these contexts. The review analyzes existing literature, drawing attention to the demographics of non-sports-related cases, which predominantly affect adolescents and young adults, with males being the primary demographic. In contrast to sport-related cases, non-sports-related commotio cordis cases exhibit a wider age range and a higher proportion of female subjects. Mortality rates are significantly higher in non-sports-related commotio cordis cases, largely due to lower rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), limited access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and delayed initiation of resuscitative efforts compared to sport-related incidents. This underscores the critical importance of increasing awareness and preparedness in non-sport-related settings. To mitigate the risks associated with non-sports-related commotio cordis, efforts should focus on early recognition of the condition, timely administration of CPR, and the widespread availability and accessibility of AEDs in various environments. Enhanced awareness and education can potentially lead to a reduction in mortality and improved outcomes for individuals affected by commotio cordis outside of sports-related activities. In conclusion, commotio cordis is not exclusive to sports and presents a significant health risk in non-sport-related scenarios. This review emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, preparedness, and resuscitation measures in non-sports contexts to address the higher mortality associated with these cases.

Commotio Cordis in Non-Sport-Related Events: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Commotio cordis is an increasingly recognized cause of sudden cardiac death. Although commonly linked with athletes, many events occur in non-sport-related settings.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to characterize and compare non-sport-related vs sport-related commotio cordis.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for all cases of commotio cordis from inception to January 5, 2022.

RESULTS

Of 334 commotio cordis cases identified, 121 (36%) occurred in non-sport-related contexts, which included assault (76%), motor vehicle accidents (7%), and daily activities (16%). Projectiles were implicated significantly less in non-sport-related events (5% vs 94%, respectively; P < 0.001). Nonprojectile etiologies in non-sport-related events mostly consisted of impacts with body parts (79%). Both categories affected similar younger aged demographic (P = 0.10). The proportion of female victims was significantly higher in non-sport-related events (13% vs 2%, respectively; P = 0.025). Mortality was significantly higher in non-sport-related events (88% vs 66%, respectively; P < 0.001). In non-sport-related events, rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (27% vs 97%, respectively; P < 0.001) and defibrillation (17% vs 81%, respectively; P < 0.001) were both lower and resuscitation was more commonly delayed beyond 3 min (80% vs 5%, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Commotio cordis occurs across a spectrum of non-sport-related settings including assault, motor vehicle accidents, and daily activities. Both categories affected a younger and male-predominant demographic. Mortality is higher in non-sport-related commotio cordis, likely owing to lower rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, automated external defibrillator availability, and extended time to resuscitation. Increased awareness of non-sport-related commotio cordis is essential to develop a means of prevention and mortality reduction, with earlier recognition and prompt resuscitation measures.

Blow/trauma to the chest and sudden cardiac death: Commotio cordis and contusio cordis are leading causes

Background

In forensic practice, a blow to the chest can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Commotio cordis and contusio cordis are leading causes.

Methods

From a database of 4678 patients who suffered from SCD, we found three patients with commotio cordis and two patients with contusio cordis. All the patients were examined macroscopically and microscopically and had negative toxicology screen.

Results

The three patients who died due to commotio cordis were young males (16, 23 and 38 years old). The circumstances of death were: a blow to the chest by a football, by a friend during a party and during an assault. The hearts were completely normal at autopsy. The two patients who had contusio cordis were older males (42 and 63 years old). Both patients died during traffic accidents. At autopsy, one had significant contusion over the left ventricle, and the second had contusion over the right ventricle.

Conclusion

This study indicates that a blow to the chest is very important to document in the circumstances of death, and a detailed history is vital. It raises the left ventricular intra-cavitary pressure, leading to commotio cordis with immediate death with a normal heart. Blunt chest trauma can cause direct myocardial lesions, with acute changes leading to contusio cordis.