Question

You are on an EMS standby for a boxing tournament. During one of the matches, one of the female boxers delivers a forcible uppercut to the chest of her opponent, who falls to the ground. The match is declared over on the basis of a TKO. However, the opponent fails to arise following a 1 to 2 minute interval. EMS is summoned to the ring. You find the patient pulseless and breathing agonal gasps. You suspect which of the following traumatic conditions?

A. Commotio cordis
B. Cardiac tamponade
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Aortic dissection

Answer 1

The patient is likely suffering from Commotio Cordis after being struck in the chest, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR and use of an AED are critical to attempt to restore normal heart rhythm. Cardiac Tamponade, Tension Pneumothorax, and Aortic Dissection are less probable in this context.

Step-by-step explanation:

Possible Traumatic Condition Following Blunt Chest Trauma in Boxing

You suspect that the boxer is suffering from Commotio Cordis, which is a condition where a sudden blow to the chest, such as a forceful uppercut, can lead to cardiac arrest. This condition often occurs in young athletes and can trigger ventricular fibrillation if the impact occurs at a precise moment in the cardiac cycle. Immediate emergency intervention is necessary, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated as soon as it's safe to do so. With evidence of agonal gasps and pulselessness, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used if available, since defibrillation is critical in cases of ventricular fibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Conditions like Cardiac Tamponade, Tension Pneumothorax, and Aortic Dissection are also concerning but are less likely to be the cause in this scenario given the circumstances of the blow and immediate symptoms. These conditions usually result from penetrating trauma or very high impact forces, and while forceful, an uppercut in boxing is less likely to cause these specific issues.