Also known as: Mini-stroke
Young woman presents with abulia (inability to make decisions) caused by a TIA affecting her frontal lobe. This is the initial presenting symptom that drives the diagnostic investigation throughout the episode.
White blood cells found in blood vessel walls lead the team to suspect autoimmune vasculitis. The team debates between giant cell arteritis and lupus vasculitis, ultimately treating with steroids which fail to improve her condition.
House suspects this rare lymphoproliferative disorder affecting brain, lungs, and liver, leading to the decision to treat with total body radiation. This misdiagnosis proves fatal when combined with the actual infection.
Also known as: Staph infection
The actual diagnosis discovered too late - a simple staph aureus infection from a scratch with her bra hook that spread to her heart. The team's radiation treatment for suspected cancer destroyed her immune system, allowing the infection to become fatal. Patient dies at 3:35 AM.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Foreman's mother is suffering from progressive Alzheimer's disease. His father brings her to visit while she can still sometimes recognize her son, creating an emotional subplot as Foreman grapples with his patient's death.