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Commotio cordis is an increasingly reported fatal mechano-electric syndrome and is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. It is most commonly associated with a sports-related injury, wherein, there is a high-velocity impact between a projectile and the precordium. By virtue of this impact, malignant arrhythmias consequently develop leading to the individual’s immediate demise, accompanied by a relatively normal post-mortem analysis. The importance of an autopsy remains paramount to exclude other causes of sudden death. With increasing awareness and reporting, survival rates are beginning to improve; however, prevention of the development of this condition remains the best approach for survival.

Cor adiposum is a rare disorder of the heart, where the normal heart tissue is replaced by fibro-fatty infiltrates. We report one such case of a middle-aged female who was declared dead shortly after a syncopal episode. At autopsy, the pericardium was intact and firmly adhered to the heart. Histopathology revealed fatty infiltrates extending into the left ventricle of the heart. A post-mortem diagnosis of Cor adiposum was made which is an uncommonly reported cause of sudden cardiac death.