What condition is characterized by sudden cardiac death associated with a high-speed projectile object?

Commotio cordis is a condition that occurs when a high-speed projectile, such as a baseball or hockey puck, strikes the chest directly over the heart during a critical phase of the cardiac cycle, typically shortly before the T wave. This impact can result in a severe disruption of the heart's electrical activity, leading to sudden cardiac arrest. It is particularly seen in young athletes and is a result of the heart being vulnerable to arrhythmias caused by the trauma, rather than structural damage to the heart itself.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not specifically involve a sudden cardiac death triggered by a blunt force impact. Aortic dissection relates to a tear in the wall of the aorta, often causing severe pain and potential for rupture, but it is not associated with projectile impact. Myocardial infarction involves the obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle due to a clot, leading to tissue damage over time rather than immediate cardiac arrest from an external force. Cardiac tamponade is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space that compresses the heart, impeding its ability to pump effectively, and while it is critical, it does not result from a high-speed projectile.