Also known as: Parrot fever
A handyman contracts psittacosis from exposure to infected birds at an illegal cockfighting venue he visits on Saturday nights. His asthma made him particularly vulnerable. The infection causes culture-negative endocarditis with embolic showers leading to multiple organ complications including gangrene requiring hand amputation, kidney failure, and respiratory failure before the correct diagnosis is made.
Bacterial vegetations on heart valves that repeatedly break off and cause embolic events throughout the body, including to the hands and kidneys. The culture-negative nature initially misleads the diagnostic team, but eventually leads them to consider psittacosis as the underlying cause.
Also known as: DIC
Initially suspected as the primary diagnosis causing dark fingers after the fall, later recognized as a mild secondary complication of the underlying infection rather than the primary problem.
Also known as: Tissue death
Progressive tissue death in the patient's right hand caused by septic emboli from endocarditis cutting off blood supply. Despite aggressive treatment, the hand requires amputation. A second finger on the left hand also begins showing signs of ischemia before the correct diagnosis is made.
Also known as: Kidney failure
Kidney shutdown caused by direct toxicity from amphotericin treatment (given for incorrectly suspected aspergillus infection) and possibly from septic emboli. Patient stops producing urine and requires dialysis.
Also known as: Brain bleed
Iatrogenic complication from Protein C treatment causing bleeding in the brain with right side paralysis. Requires emergency neurosurgery to evacuate the hematoma. Paralysis resolves after surgery.
Also known as: Lung infection
Lung infection with infiltrates causing fever and declining respiratory function. Initially thought to be various bacterial or fungal causes, ultimately recognized as part of psittacosis infection. Patient requires ventilator support.
Pre-existing chronic lung condition that made Alfredo more vulnerable to contracting psittacosis from environmental exposure to infected bird dust. Mentioned as his excuse for not wanting to work on the roof.
Also known as: High blood pressure
House treats an elderly African-American clinic patient with high blood pressure. The patient initially refuses a medication specifically formulated for African-Americans, believing it to be racist. House ultimately gives him the appropriate medication but lies about what it is to ensure compliance.