Also known as: Brain inflammation/infection
17-year-old hockey player Bret Cooper develops cerebritis after a hockey injury. Initial workup rules out concussion and meningitis, but spinal tap reveals cerebritis stemming from an underlying condition that drives the diagnostic investigation throughout the episode.
Also known as: HHT
HHT is revealed as the underlying cause of Bret's cerebritis. The condition causes fragile blood vessel bundles (AVMs) that allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spinal fluid. The diagnosis ends Bret's hockey career due to the catastrophic bleeding risk from contact sports.
Also known as: CTE
Bret's father Jack, a former professional hockey player, exhibits symptoms of CTE including memory loss, hand tremors, and agitation. He is in denial about his condition and keeps it hidden from his son, creating ethical tension about Bret continuing to play hockey.
Also known as: Scarring of the lungs
A 9/11 first responder who developed pulmonary fibrosis from debris exposure requires a complex ex-vivo lung transplant. The case drives a major subplot involving Dr. Downey and Dr. Rhodes performing the procedure.
Also known as: Aortic stenosis
During preparation for lung transplant, critical aortic stenosis is discovered requiring transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) before the transplant can proceed. The valve area measures 0.6, indicating critical stenosis despite prior reports of only mild-moderate disease.
Tim Anderson, a longtime vasculopathy patient with diabetes and heart disease, dies from a ruptured aortic aneurysm initially misdiagnosed as a pulmonary embolism. The case creates major conflict between Dr. Halstead and Dr. Manning over patient management and leads to an autopsy that reveals the true cause of death.
Also known as: CHF
Tim Anderson presents with mild congestive heart failure and shortness of breath. He has extensive cardiac history including mitral valve replacement, stents, atherectomy, and laser angioplasty.
Also known as: Diabetes
Tim Anderson has longstanding diabetes since after college, contributing to his decade-long vasculopathy and multiple cardiovascular complications.