Also known as: Abnormal heart rhythm of unknown cause
A healthy jogger comes in with a seizure, then develops multiple life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (Torsade de Pointes, V-tach, V-fib) that are refractory to all treatment. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he dies. Autopsy reveals a structurally normal heart with no identifiable cause of death, labeled as idiopathic dysrhythmia.
Also known as: Seizure
Patient presents with a five-minute grand mal seizure, which prompts the initial workup. However, the seizure becomes secondary to the cardiac emergency that follows.
Also known as: Ruptured triple-A
Carter identifies a large abdominal aortic aneurysm on X-ray based on calcification patterns. The patient is recruited for Vucelich's clamp-and-run study but is later excluded due to secondary neurological conditions. The finding creates conflict when Carter takes credit for Harper's discovery.
Also known as: Gallstones
A Medicaid patient with chronic recurrent gallstone pain who is told she must wait 18 months for elective cholecystectomy due to insurance status. Susan considers ordering an ultrasound but is dissuaded by Weaver citing cost concerns and lack of new symptoms. The case highlights healthcare disparities.
Also known as: Fluid around the heart
A patient with renal failure history presents with acute shortness of breath, chest pain, and hypotension. Susan diagnoses pericardial effusion and performs an emergency pericardiocentesis before echocardiogram confirmation, successfully draining cloudy fluid and stabilizing the patient.
Also known as: Anesthesia allergy
During surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the patient develops malignant hyperthermia (temperature 106°F) as a reaction to anesthesia. Carter is blamed for not taking a proper history, though the patient had never had surgery before. The team treats with dantrolene and cooling measures.
Also known as: Stress headaches
An adolescent football player presents with chronic headaches. CT scan is normal. He reveals to Doug Ross that he is gay and struggling with his identity, afraid to tell his family. Doug recognizes the headaches are stress-related and offers ongoing counseling support, though the father assumes it's related to trigonometry.
Also known as: Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure with seizure
Referenced case from a previous episode where Mark Greene missed the diagnosis of preeclampsia in a pregnant patient who subsequently died. The hospital settles the lawsuit, but Mark refuses to accept responsibility initially. He later reviews the chart and acknowledges he missed two high blood pressures and proteinuria. This drives Mark's emotional arc throughout the episode.