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

Managing Pain in Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crises – PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast

Vaso-occlusive pain episodes are the most common reason children and adolescents with sickle cell disease present to the Emergency Department. Prompt, protocol-driven management is essential starting with early administration of IV opioids, reassessment at 15–30 minute intervals, and judicious hydration. Understanding the patient’s typical pain pattern, opioid history, and psychosocial context can guide more effective […]
  1. Managing Pain in Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crises
  2. Penetrating Neck Injuries
  3. Advanced Imaging of Children in the ED: Ultrasound, CT, and MRI
  4. Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease)
  5. The Unvaccinated Child with Fever

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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.