Also known as: Tear in the aorta
College student and mother of four involved in high-speed motor vehicle crash. Neela identifies subtle widening of aorta on ultrasound suggesting slow leak from dissection. Undergoes successful surgical repair with bifemoral y-graft anastomosis.
Also known as: A-fib
Sarah's grandfather presents with syncope and head trauma after fainting. Develops atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response requiring rate control and anticoagulation. Subsequently develops mesenteric arterial embolism requiring emergency surgery.
Also known as: Dying bowel
Complication of atrial fibrillation where embolus from heart lodges in superior mesenteric artery causing acute abdominal pain and bowel ischemia. Debate between TPA versus surgical intervention, ultimately requiring emergency surgical embolectomy to restore blood flow.
Also known as: Overactive parathyroid gland
Man with multiple fractures in various stages of healing. Investigation reveals elevated calcium from hormone excess causing brittle bones and recurrent fractures. Requires surgical removal of parathyroid glands to prevent future fractures.
Also known as: Broken bones
Patient presents with fractured radius, ulna, and femoral head, plus compression fractures of thoracic and lumbar spine in different stages of healing. Initially suspected abuse, ultimately diagnosed as secondary to hyperparathyroidism causing pathologic fractures.
Also known as: FAP
Dr. Pratt's ex-girlfriend reveals she has been diagnosed with colon cancer secondary to familial adenomatous polyposis (defective tumor-suppressor gene). Requires surgery and faces ongoing cancer risks throughout life.
Also known as: Head laceration
Minor head laceration and concussion from motor vehicle crash, secondary to more serious aortic injury.
Also known as: Head laceration
Minor forehead laceration from fall associated with syncopal episode, ultimately attributed to cardiac arrhythmia rather than primary neurological cause.
Also known as: Broken leg bones
Background patient mentioned at beginning of episode requiring orthopedic surgery.