Also known as: Prostate cancer
Referenced in the opening recap as a previously diagnosed condition discovered through PSA screening and needle biopsy, showing moderately differentiated prostate cancer.
Also known as: Preventive breast removal
Patient with strong family history of breast cancer (mother's sister and grandmother died of breast cancer) who underwent prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. During attempted reconstruction, surgeons discovered an enlarged lymph node, raising concern for possible cancer spread. Patient experiences severe emotional distress and psychological crisis post-surgery.
Also known as: Coma
Young woman who awakened from a four-year coma following a violent carjacking and assault. Initially showing remarkable recovery with experimental cocktail (fluoxetine, Sinemet, dextroamphetamine), she experiences a sudden seizure and returns to an unresponsive state after learning details about her traumatic accident.
Patient stabbed in the neck by his girlfriend, presenting with zone two neck injury. Used as a teaching case by Dr. Clemente to discuss asymptomatic vascular injuries and management of penetrating neck trauma.
Also known as: Head trauma
Patient who fell approximately 20 feet after standing up on an amusement park ride (Tilt-A-Whirl). Presented with severe agitation and altered mental status, initially suspected to be on drugs but later diagnosed with anticholinergic toxicity from dextromethorphan (cold pills/'skittles').
Also known as: Skittles overdose
Anticholinergic toxicity from recreational use of cold pills containing dextromethorphan hydrogen bromide ('skittles'). Diagnosis confirmed by characteristic lab finding of reversed anion gap (bromide mimicking chloride). Treated with physostigmine.
Also known as: Spinal cord damage
Seven-year-old girl with crush injury presenting with spinal shock and high thoracic injury at T4 sensory level. Required intubation and vasopressor support.
Also known as: Pseudotumor cerebri
Young woman with recurring headaches and history of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Used as teaching case for non-invasive diagnosis using intraocular pressure measurement and modern understanding of sagittal sinus thrombosis as underlying cause.
Group of Zen monks who developed toxicity after making tea from tobacco plant (tabaco gigante) growing in their garden. Presented with inconsistent toxidrome showing mixed autonomic effects.
Also known as: Seizure
New-onset seizure in patient recently awakened from prolonged coma, possibly triggered by medication changes, withdrawal, or psychological stress. Treated with Ativan but followed by return to unresponsive state.