VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS AND CARDIAC CONCUSSION - A TRAUMATIC CONNECTION

Concussion of the heart (commotio cordis) occurs in traffic accidents in which blunt force impact over the precordial area occurs, even in t he absence of multiple blunt force injuries, The functional dynamics o f the heart, with ventricular arrythmias and conduction disturbances, serve: as the pathophysiological basis of this condition. As a cause o f death in vehicular accidents, it is less common than other causes. H owever, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especia lly in cases with minor or no apparent injuries.