Early Repolarization Syndrome Leading to Recurrent Cardiac Arrest in a Young Active Duty Patient.

A previously healthy, active duty 37-year-old male experienced recurrent cardiac arrests because of ventricular fibrillation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Initial evaluation did not reveal a clear ischemic, structural, toxic, or metabolic cause. Close monitoring of telemetry before his third cardiac arrest revealed the cause to be early repolarization syndrome (ERS). In this case, we review the diagnosis, epidemiology, and prognostic significance of early repolarization pattern as it relates to ERS. We also discuss acute and long-term treatment strategies for patients with ERS.

Pericardial window formation complicated by intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia.

In rare circumstances, a diaphragmatic defect may allow for herniation of intra-abdominal contents into the pericardial space. These occurrences are exceedingly rare and may be due to trauma or congenital defects of the septum transversum or as the result of surgical procedures. We describe a 73-year-old female who presented with cardiac and abdominal symptoms one month after undergoing a subxiphoid pericardioperitoneal window for treatment and evaluation of a symptomatic pericardial effusion.