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Commotio cordis--a report of three cases
S J Hamilton1, J P Sunter, P N Cooper
1Forensic Medicine Unit University Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom. Margaret.brown@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|March 4, 2005
Summary
Commotio cordis, a chest blow causing cardiac arrest, is typically seen in sports. This study highlights its rare but fatal role in homicide cases.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Cardiology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Commotio cordis is a recognized cause of sudden cardiac death.
- It results from blunt chest trauma leading to ventricular fibrillation.
- While common in sports, its role in homicides is rarely documented.
Observation:
- Three cases of homicide by commotio cordis in North-East England are presented.
- These cases involved assaults leading to fatal cardiac arrest via this mechanism.
- The mechanism involved blunt force trauma to the chest.
Findings:
- Assaults can cause commotio cordis, leading to sudden cardiac death.
- This mechanism, though rare, is a potential cause of death in violent altercations.
- The study confirms commotio cordis as a cause of death in homicide.
Implications:
- Forensic pathologists should consider commotio cordis in unexplained sudden deaths following assault.
- This expands the understanding of lethal blunt force trauma mechanisms.
- Highlights the need for awareness of this specific cause of death in forensic investigations.