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Child homicide caused by commotio cordis
L R Boglioli1, M L Taff, G Harleman
1Section of Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Pediatric Cardiology
|August 14, 1998
Summary
Commotio cordis, or cardiac concussion, is a rare cause of sudden cardiac death in children due to blunt chest trauma. A medicolegal investigation revealed foul play in a 2-year-old
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Commotio cordis (cardiac concussion) is a distinct cause of sudden cardiac death.
- It occurs in structurally normal hearts without myocardial, valvular, or coronary artery injury.
- Unlike other causes of sports-related death, it is not linked to structural or congenital heart disease.
Observation:
- A case of sudden cardiac death in a 2-year-old child is presented.
- The child sustained a blunt force impact to the chest.
- A comprehensive medicolegal investigation was conducted.
Findings:
- The cause of death was determined to be commotio cordis resulting from the blunt chest trauma.
- The investigation ruled out underlying cardiac abnormalities.
- Evidence indicated the event was a result of foul play.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing commotio cordis in pediatric blunt force trauma cases.
- Underscores the necessity of thorough medicolegal evaluation in suspicious pediatric deaths.
- Emphasizes the potential for fatal cardiac events from seemingly minor chest impacts.