A 15-year-old patient initially thought to have cartilage-hair hypoplasia dwarfism presents with spontaneous pneumothorax, progressive liver failure, pancreatic failure, and bleeding. The disease is revealed to be Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a hybrid cancer/autoimmune condition where immune cells form granulomas that crushed her pituitary gland and attacked multiple organs.
Abigail's short stature was mistakenly attributed to her mother's cartilage-hair hypoplasia, but was actually caused by a pituitary granuloma from Langerhans cell histiocytosis suppressing growth hormone production. This misdiagnosis delayed proper treatment and becomes a central plot point when she must decide whether to take growth hormone therapy.
Also known as: DKA
Abigail becomes unconscious during an ERCP procedure due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of her pancreatic failure from the spreading Langerhans cell histiocytosis. This confirms House's prediction that the disease would spread to her pancreas.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
House's Vicodin addiction and the legal fallout from forged prescriptions drives the entire episode. Cuddy and Wilson cut off his Vicodin supply to force him to take a plea deal, causing him to detox, experience severe pain, cut himself for endorphin release, and ultimately steal oxycodone from a deceased patient.
Also known as: Chronic leg pain
House's underlying chronic leg pain from his previous infarction is the stated justification for his Vicodin use. The episode explores the distinction between legitimate pain management and addiction as he experiences severe pain and withdrawal when his medications are withheld.
Also known as: Stage 4 lung cancer
A deceased patient of Wilson's who died from metastatic lung cancer. House steals his oxycodone prescription after the patient's death, providing Tritter with evidence for criminal charges.