Commotio cordis - A deadly consequence of chest trauma

Commotio cordis is arrhythmia or sudden death from low-impact, blunt trauma to the chest without apparent heart injury. Ventricular fibrillation is th e most common associated arrhythmia, and heart block, bundle branch block, and ST-segment elevation are also seen. Commotio cordis occurs most commonl y in baseball but has also been reported in hockey, softball, and several o ther sports. Approximately two to four cases are reported each year, but th e true incidence is uncertain. Survival is low, even when resuscitation is performed. Preventive measures include education of participants and coache s, chest protection, and softer baseballs. Other considerations include hav ing external automatic defibrillators and brained personnel at youth sporti ng events.