title: Sudden unexpected death from cardiac concussion (commotio cordis) with unusual legal complications.
abstract: Sudden and unexpected death may result from cardiac concussion following blunt force trauma to the thorax. Undiagnosed pathologic disease must be carefully evaluated as a possible contributory element. Legal complications may arise from any autopsy. It is recommended that a photograph be taken upon completion of the autopsy. This photograph and adequate records can be used to refute any charges against the pathologist or assistants for the poor condition of a body after its release.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D001344:Autopsy; D003288:Contusions / Q000473:pathology; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000473:pathology*