Also known as: Coronavirus
Meredith Grey remains on a ventilator throughout the episode. Teddy attempts to wean her off the vent by reducing sedation and ventilator settings, but the trial fails and she must remain intubated. This is the central medical storyline driving the episode's tension.
Also known as: Heart valve infection
Byron Gibbis, a 52-year-old man found unconscious on his porch, is diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis secondary to a dental infection from using a paperclip to remove a popcorn kernel from his teeth. He has Osler's nodes and an aortic valve abscess almost completely blocking the valves, requiring surgical intervention.
Discovered on cardiac CT imaging as a complication of Byron's bacterial endocarditis. The abscess is almost completely blocking his aortic valves and requires surgical repair.
Also known as: Tooth infection
The underlying cause of Byron's endocarditis. He developed gum infection after using a paperclip to remove a popcorn kernel, which he did because he refused to visit a dentist during the pandemic.
Also known as: Blood clotting disorder
According to DeLuca's autopsy report discussed in the episode, he ultimately died from coagulopathy despite surgical repair of his injuries (stomach, diaphragm, spleen, and ventricular injuries from stabbing).
Also known as: Advanced cancer
Catherine mentions living with stage IV cancer that very few people survive, and reports that her latest scan showed no growth, which she describes as miraculous given the circumstances.