Also known as: Collapsed lung
Motorcycle accident victim develops a small pneumothorax that progresses to 60% lung collapse, requiring chest tube insertion. Patient leaves AMA with temporary valve despite ongoing risk.
Also known as: Dislocated shoulder
Left shoulder dislocation from motorcycle accident, successfully relocated in the ED.
Also known as: Head laceration
Positive loss of consciousness from motorcycle accident with GCS 14, cracked helmet noted.
Also known as: Delusional infestation
Patient presents with persistent delusion of mite infestation for over 18 months, with severe self-inflicted skin injuries from scratching and shaving head. Successfully treated with antipsychotic medication through benevolent deception after rejecting psychiatric care.
Also known as: Skin infection
Extensive skin infection from self-inflicted scratching injuries secondary to delusional parasitosis, treated with IV clindamycin.
Bowel dilation from diverticulitis progresses to intestinal perforation and septic shock despite initial antibiotic treatment, requiring emergency laparotomy with ostomy placement. Patient uses medical crisis to reassess life decisions.
Also known as: Life-threatening infection
Develops septic shock from perforated bowel secondary to diverticulitis, manifesting with hypotension and tachycardia requiring emergency surgery.
Also known as: CHF
End-stage heart failure requiring heart transplant, secondary to progressive atherosclerosis despite previous liver transplant for familial hypercholesterolemia 15 years prior.
Also known as: Liver failure
Failure of previous liver transplant (done for familial hypercholesterolemia) requiring second liver transplant performed simultaneously with heart transplant.
Also known as: Inherited high cholesterol
Underlying genetic condition that caused early atherosclerosis and required initial liver transplant 15 years ago; now presenting for second liver and first heart transplant.
Also known as: Bleeding
Severe intraoperative bleeding during combined heart-liver transplant caused by strictured cardiac anastomosis creating back pressure on hepatic vessels, requiring surgical revision.