Also known as: Lung infection
Curtis Ames presents with cough and fever, diagnosed with right middle lobe pneumonia requiring IV antibiotics and hospital admission. This case becomes the central focus of a malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Kovac.
Also known as: Stroke
Curtis Ames develops numbness in his left hand that progresses to a full stroke with permanent disability. The stroke is caused by a blood clot that traveled through a patent foramen ovale to his brain, originating from his central line. This is the basis of the malpractice lawsuit.
Also known as: PFO, hole in the heart
A previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect that allowed a blood clot from Ames' central line to travel to his brain, causing his stroke. This becomes a key point in the malpractice trial about whether the murmur should have been detected.
Also known as: Ruptured triple-A
Patient presents with hypotension and pulsatile abdominal mass, initially suspected to be a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm requiring emergency surgery. Later revealed to be tricuspid regurgitation with liver enlargement.
Also known as: Leaky heart valve
The actual diagnosis for Mr. Dolan after initial concern for AAA. Heart valve disease caused right-sided heart failure and enlarged pulsatile liver that mimicked an abdominal aneurysm.
Also known as: GI bleed
Patient with Crohn's disease presents with hematemesis and hematochezia, becomes hypotensive. Treated with novel intra-aortic balloon occlusion to control bleeding before surgery.
Also known as: Crohn's disease
Underlying inflammatory bowel disease that caused erosion into a blood vessel resulting in life-threatening GI bleeding requiring surgical intervention.
Also known as: Tongue bitten off
Patient presents with partial tongue amputation after his wife bit it off. Treated with reimplantation attempt.
Also known as: Depression
Curtis Ames develops depression following his stroke and disability, mentioned as part of the long-term consequences presented in the malpractice trial.
Also known as: Blocked intestine
Brief mention that Malucci is admitted as a patient with small bowel obstruction.