Cardiac concussion or commotio cordis refers to
sudden cardiac death following a blunt trauma to the
chest
Cardiac concussion, also known as commotio cordis, refers to a sudden disruption of normal heart rhythm leading to cardiac arrest following a blunt impact to the chest. This phenomenon occurs when a relatively low-velocity impact, often with a small projectile (such as a baseball or hockey puck), coincides with a specific phase of the cardiac cycle.
The impact typically occurs over the precordial area, which is the region of the chest overlying the heart. If the impact coincides with the vulnerable phase of the cardiac cycle, it can cause ventricular fibrillation, a chaotic and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance. Ventricular fibrillation can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which, if not treated promptly with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, can be fatal.
Commotio cordis is a rare event, but it is most commonly seen in young individuals, often athletes engaged in sports where a ball or projectile can strike the chest. The condition underscores the importance of prompt recognition and response to cardiac arrest, as well as preventive measures such as protective gear in sports. It also highlights the vulnerability of the heart to external mechanical forces during specific phases of the cardiac cycle.