Also known as: Thymus tumor
An 82-year-old patient with dementia presents with syncope and neck swelling caused by a compressive thymoma. The tumor hemorrhages, causing SVC syndrome requiring emergency surgery. The case centers on a conflict between his son who refuses surgery and his girlfriend who advocates for treatment.
Also known as: Alzheimer's disease
Edward Hall has dementia that impairs his ability to make medical decisions, creating a legal and ethical conflict about who has the authority to consent to his life-saving surgery.
Also known as: CRE - antibiotic-resistant superbug
A young cancer patient develops a life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection (CRE) traced to contaminated endoscopy equipment. She develops a pharyngeal abscess requiring emergency drainage. The case drives a hospital-wide outbreak investigation.
Also known as: Terminal cancer
Haley is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, which has weakened her immune system and made her vulnerable to the CRE infection. Her recent chemo completion is noted as increasing her infection risk.
Also known as: CRE - antibiotic-resistant superbug
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive medications develops CRE infection linked to contaminated hospital endoscopy equipment. He is intubated and agrees to risky extubation to help identify the outbreak source.
Also known as: Blocked intestine
A 19-year-old presents with bowel obstruction that is later revealed to be caused by heroin use. The obstruction serves as the entry point to uncovering that he is a victim of sex trafficking with a subcutaneous tracking device implanted.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Danny is addicted to heroin and experiences withdrawal symptoms including vomiting and tachycardia while hospitalized. The addiction is linked to his situation as a sex trafficking victim, and he receives methadone treatment.
Also known as: Burst aneurysm
A patient who suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm months prior remains on life support in a vegetative state. Her case is featured when her estranged sister requests withdrawal of care.