Also known as: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor
Dr. Sebastian Charles, a TB expert working in Africa, presents with syncope, cardiac arrest, and varied symptoms. The diagnostic puzzle centers on discovering a small insulin-secreting tumor in his pancreas that intermittently causes dangerous drops in blood sugar, mimicking TB and other conditions. The tumor is confirmed through calcium stimulation testing and is treated surgically.
Also known as: TB
Sebastian has a positive PPD test and low CSF glucose initially attributed to TB, and he advocates for TB treatment access globally. However, House determines TB is not causing his acute symptoms, though Sebastian does have latent TB from his work in Africa. The episode's central conflict revolves around distinguishing TB from his actual diagnosis.
Also known as: Irregular heart rhythm
Initially considered as a diagnosis when Sebastian shows abnormal EKG with PR variability and syncope. The team nearly places a pacemaker before discovering the arrhythmia is secondary to another cause.
Also known as: Collapsed lung
A young boy in Africa presents with a collapsed lung during Sebastian's humanitarian work, shown in the opening scene. Sebastian notes the lung collapse was caused by underlying TB, not the fall.
Also known as: Breast lump
A clinic patient presents with anxiety about a breast lump, fearing cancer. House determines it is a benign cyst with smooth edges and mobility, but performs a biopsy at her insistence which confirms it is not cancer.