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CNN Live Today

Seemingly Innocent Blow to Chest Can Kill Children

Aired May 21, 2002 - 13:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We are going to talk about a very rare medical story right now not far from where we are here in Atlanta. There is a neighborhood north of town grieving for a 7-year-old boy who died playing baseball. Nader Parman (ph) from the Atlanta suburb of Marietta was killed when the ball hit him directly over his heart. It's extremely rare, yet not unheard of. It is a phenomenon called commotio cordis.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is here to talk about it, and really sad and tragic story, 7-year-old boy.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, it really is. And fortunately, it is also a very rare situation. Basically, what happens in commotio cordis, as you correctly said Bill, it is what can be a very innocent-appearing blow to the chest area. Usually, in kids under the age of 12, statistically, and kids with very narrow chests.

But actually what happens sometimes is you get a blow to the chest. A lot of times that blow will actually cause the heart, in a very precise time, in a very precise location, to either stop beating, a diffuse blow will cause it to stop beating, or it to start beating erratically, and either one of those situations can lead to sudden cardiac death. Very rare situation, 140 or so cases only over the last couple of decades, not something you see, but something that obviously can be very scary.

HEMMER: I read where the boy literally died in his father's arms practically when he was carried from the backyard inside the house. Can anything be done in a situation like that?

GUPTA: Very important point. And yes, there are things that can be done. This is something that has actually been studied by the American Cardiology Association. One of the things that can be done is actually having parents who can perform CPR. Initial CPR, CPR done within minutes of an incident like this is greatly associated with survival compared to no CPR. Also, if it is done at a -- if this incident happens at a sports center or someplace where a cardiac defibrillator is available, immediate defibrillation can also prevent death. Can't prevent the incident itself from happening, but may prevent it from translating into death.

HEMMER: I also read where it has to be absolutely precise, just above the heart, or the center of the chest or where? GUPTA: Right. It is just to the left side of the chest, and it can be a very innocent blow. We hear about tee-balls, Wiffle bats, things like that. And again, this isn't something that should alarm parents so much as make them aware that a relatively innocent blow can cause something like this, although very rare.

Two things have to happen. The exact right location, and also the exact right timing. The heart has to be in a certain phase of its beat for this to occur. Unlikely, but possible.

HEMMER: As you mention, not very common, but it is out there.

GUPTA: Right, exactly.

HEMMER: Thank you doc, appreciate it, Sanjay.

GUPTA: See you soon.

HEMMER: You got it, pal. Certainly.

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