Commotio cordis--a report of three 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.