Also known as: Radiation poisoning
The central diagnosis of the episode. Carnell was exposed to radioactive material from an industrial device (given as a keychain by his father) causing severe immunosuppression, inability to produce white blood cells, and multiple life-threatening complications including sepsis and intestinal perforations. Requires bone marrow transplant but patient ultimately dies from complications.
Also known as: Brain stem vascular malformation
A tumor within Carnell's spinal cord causing the shock-like sensations and CNS symptoms that brought him to the hospital. Successfully excised surgically, but the surgery complicated his already compromised condition from radiation exposure.
Also known as: Perforated intestine
Multiple intestinal perforations (sigmoid colon initially, then another during surgery) caused by severe infection secondary to radiation-induced immunosuppression. Required emergency surgical repair but contributed to patient's ultimate death.
Also known as: Blood infection
Overwhelming infection developed due to radiation-induced immunosuppression. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics and increased dosing, the patient's destroyed immune system could not fight the infection, leading to complications and death.
Also known as: Loss of bowel control
Neurological symptom caused by the spinal cord tumor, resulting in loss of bowel control. This symptom waxed and waned throughout the episode and was part of the diagnostic puzzle.
Also known as: GI bleed
Carnell's friend Taddy developed vomiting blood as a symptom of radiation exposure from carrying the radioactive keychain on the flight to Jamaica. Required immediate hospitalization and treatment for radiation sickness.