Also known as: Measles
A 28-year-old punk rock singer with extensive drug use history presents with multiple symptoms initially attributed to substance abuse. The diagnosis is complicated by his immunocompromised state from chronic drug use, which allowed measles to progress atypically with neurological involvement and immune system overreaction. His constant exposure to abandoned children at a volunteer home was the source of infection.
Also known as: DIC
The patient develops DIC with schistocytes on blood smear and multiple blood clots, initially thought to be from drug impurities or blood incompatibility from needle sharing, but ultimately part of the measles-induced immune system overreaction.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
The patient has chronic polysubstance abuse (cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, alcohol) which confounds the diagnostic process and has compromised his immune system, making him vulnerable to opportunistic infections like measles. His addiction is central to the episode's debate about whether his symptoms are drug-related or represent an underlying disease.
Also known as: Lung cancer
Wilson's patient was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma three months prior, but on rechecking the biopsy results, Wilson discovers it was a false positive caused by harmless talc inhalation lesions. This subplot explores the psychological impact of being told you're dying and then being told you will live.