Commotio cordis is caused by the blunt impact of a hard object directly over the heart occurring during a specific window of ventricular repolarization leading to immediate collapse, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiac arrest. This episode focuses on risk factors and management of this rare but catastrophic injury.

American Heart Association CPR and AED Training

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Commotio cordis – PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast by Brad Sobolewski, MD, Med

Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease) – PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast

In this episode, we tackle the clinical mischief of Parvovirus B19, a common viral infection with a surprisingly wide range of manifestations—from the classic “slapped cheek” rash of erythema infectiosum to aplastic crises in children with hemolytic anemias and fetal hydrops in pregnant contacts. We’ll break down the virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and complications of Parvovirus […]
  1. Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
  2. The Unvaccinated Child with Fever
  3. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
  4. Inhalant Misuse: From Glue to Galaxy Gas
  5. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (in the Pediatric Emergency Department)

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References

Link MS. Commotio cordis: ventricular fibrillation triggered by chest impact-induced abnormalities in repolarization. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2012 Apr;5(2):425-32. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.111.962712. PMID: 22511659.

Madias C, Maron BJ, Weinstock J, et al. Commotio cordis–sudden cardiac death with chest wall impact. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2007; 18:115.

Maron BJ, Gohman TE, Kyle SB, et al. Clinical profile and spectrum of commotio cordis. JAMA 2002; 287:1142.

Maron BJ, Estes NA 3rd. Commotio cordis. N Engl J Med 2010; 362:917.