Commotio Cordis

Ventricular fibrillation and sudden death triggered by a blunt, nonpenetrating, and often innocent-appearing unintentional blow to the chest without damage to the ribs, sternum, or heart (in the absence of underlying cardiovascular disease) constitute an event known as commotio cordis. This review provides information on the clinical profile of this event, the physiological mechanisms underlying it, and steps that can be taken to prevent the event and to resuscitate the victim, should it occur.