Also known as: Spinal tumor
An 11-year-old boy with a rare, extensive neuroblastoma in his spine that eight previous surgeons deemed inoperable. Derek attempts to resect the tumor despite only a 5% chance of success and high risk of paralysis, but ultimately closes without removing it when he determines the surgery would be fatal. The boy knows about his terminal diagnosis but hides this from his mother.
Also known as: Blood around the heart
A 32-year-old man who crashed his bike into a wrought iron fence, with the fence impaling directly into his heart, causing massive cardiac injury and enlargement. The case becomes a turf battle between Cristina, Teddy, and McQueen over who should perform the removal.
Also known as: Liver failure
A woman in late-stage liver failure requiring emergency transplant from her reluctant sister Marcy. She develops bleeding esophageal varices during pre-operative conflict with her sister, indicating progression to end-stage disease.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Richard Webber's wife Adele experiences a dramatic episode during his 10,000th surgery, wandering 7 miles from home to the hospital in confusion, not recognizing the present day and believing her husband has left her for Ellis Grey. Richard must calm her by singing their wedding song.