Also known as: TB
Patient initially misdiagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with metastases to liver, brain, and bones. Dr. Kostin recognizes scrofula and TB is confirmed via AFB stain, dramatically changing her prognosis from terminal to treatable.
Also known as: Vascular dementia
Legendary ER physician now suffering from advanced dementia, brought in after assault/fall. Despite his condition, he has a flash of diagnostic brilliance recognizing TB in another patient. Has DNR order and dies at episode end.
Also known as: Inflamed appendix
Polio survivor in iron lung presenting with fever and abdominal pain. Undergoes experimental NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) appendectomy through his mouth to avoid abdominal incision that would compromise his breathing.
Also known as: Polio
Patient has permanent respiratory compromise from childhood polio requiring negative pressure ventilator (iron lung) 18 hours daily. This complicates his appendicitis treatment requiring experimental surgical approach.
Also known as: Diabetes
Woman presents with syncope and altered mental status, blood sugar over 400. She was shoplifting cosmetics to trade for insulin due to financial hardship. Treated and stabilized before being taken to jail.
Also known as: High sodium
Assault victim found to have sodium of 165, described as 'dry as a bone' with free water deficit of 6 liters requiring careful fluid replacement.
Also known as: Lung bruising
Trauma patient develops worsening hypoxia (pulse ox 78) from blossoming pulmonary contusions requiring intubation despite DNR status.
Also known as: Early labor
Pregnant daughter of diabetic patient experiences contractions while visiting mother in ER. Given medication to stop contractions and sent to OB for monitoring.
Also known as: Knife in the heart
Gunshot wound to left chest with cardiac injury requiring emergency thoracotomy, Foley catheter balloon tamponade of heart defect, and massive transfusion protocol before transfer to OR.