Also known as: Marfan's with torn aorta
Referenced throughout as the case that led to Dr. Chen's probation/resignation. A patient died after being given thrombolytics when the chest x-ray showing aortic dissection was not properly reviewed, representing a critical diagnostic error.
Also known as: Edwards syndrome
Six-year-old boy with Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) presents with severe dehydration and vomiting. Found to have incarcerated inguinal hernia requiring his 11th surgery. Parents eventually abandon him at the hospital after giving surgical consent. His survival to age 6 is described as historically unprecedented.
Also known as: Hernia in groin
The immediate surgical emergency in the Trisomy 18 patient, requiring repair of the hernia and evaluation of perforated bowel with likely colostomy.
Also known as: Rebar impalement
Patient with gunshot wound requiring thoracotomy with injury to left ventricle and mitral valve. Despite surgical intervention, patient dies.
Also known as: Stab wound
35-year-old male impaled after falling off roof while trying to get free cable. Develops full diaphragmatic rupture and pulls out the impaled object himself causing hemorrhage and cardiac arrest. Despite emergency thoracotomy, patient dies. Later revealed to be suicide after job loss.
Also known as: Kidney injury from bus accident
Patient with Grade IV liver laceration with stellate crush injury requiring massive transfusion and surgical repair. Patient goes into V-fib during surgery.
Also known as: Cut
Nicole (Luka's friend/waitress) presents with hand laceration from work injury. Wound is irrigated and closed. She also loses her job and faces visa problems.
Also known as: Head cut
Young boy with head laceration requiring suturing after falling from his father's boat.
Also known as: Psychosomatic illness
Patient presenting with multiple non-specific complaints (fatigue, depression, headaches, hives, bloating, constipation, chest pain, yeast infection) requiring extensive workup. Eventually discovered to be pregnant.
Also known as: Unplanned pregnancy
Miss McDuffy's multiple somatic complaints are ultimately explained by pregnancy, discovered through beta-HCG test.
Also known as: Lice infestation
Family treated for lice/scabies with Elimite cream and instructions for bedding care.
Also known as: Flea bite
Patient concerned about spider bite that turns out to be a flea bite, treated with hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl.