Also known as: Heart attack
Stella, a frequent flyer with borderline personality disorder, presents with chest pain and dyspnea. Despite Gallant's concerns about cardiac ischemia and flat T waves, Kayson diagnoses costochondritis and refuses admission. She later suffers ventricular fibrillation and dies after prolonged resuscitation attempts, becoming a central case about advocacy and diagnostic errors.
An 11-year-old girl presents with recurrent UTIs. Workup reveals vesicoureteral reflux with bilateral renal scarring and elevated creatinine consistent with chronic renal failure. Her condition prompts discussion of missed diagnoses and parental complications, as her mother is romantically involved with Kovac.
A military Ranger on leave presents seizing and later develops sudden blindness. Gallant determines he ingested large quantities of quinine in a suicide attempt after discovering his girlfriend was unfaithful. The case explores mental health stigma in military personnel and Gallant's empathetic approach to uncovering the truth.
Also known as: Ruptured spleen
Margaret is involved in a car accident and suffers a splenic laceration requiring emergency surgery. Her husband has Alzheimer's disease and cannot consent, forcing her to make difficult decisions while worried about his care. Post-operatively, she develops complications requiring mechanical ventilation.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Margaret's husband Thomas has Alzheimer's disease, rendering him unable to consent to his wife's emergency surgery. His condition creates emotional complexity as Margaret worries about his ability to cope during her recovery.
Also known as: UTI
Marlene presents with recurrent UTIs, which leads to the discovery of her underlying vesicoureteral reflux and renal failure. The UTI is the presenting complaint that triggers the more significant workup.
Also known as: Alcoholism
Carter learns about Abby's history with alcoholism and expresses concern about her recent social drinking. This creates significant relationship tension as they debate whether her controlled drinking represents recovery or risk, culminating in a confrontation about trust and faith in her sobriety.