Also known as: Prolactinoma
Initially suspected as causing the football player's rage attack and elevated GnRH due to head trauma, but ruled out by MRI showing no pituitary damage.
Also known as: Thickened heart muscle
Suspected after patient's tachycardia episode; compared to basketball player Hank Gathers' death. Ruled out after treadmill stress test showed excellent cardiac function.
Also known as: RA
Considered when patient developed Raynaud's phenomenon (white fingers) during chemical stress test with vasodilators, but ruled out by negative rheumatoid factor.
Also known as: Cancer of the lymphatic system
Strongly suspected when patient developed itching on ethanol drip, leading to splenectomy. Ruled out during surgery when liver inflammation was found and biopsy showed no abnormal T-cells or B-cells.
Diagnosed when blood clotted in the vacutainer tube; blood thickens in cold temperatures causing multi-system problems. Started on warfarin but ultimately ruled out as primary diagnosis.
Also known as: Skin cancer
Final diagnosis found on the sole of patient's foot. Caused paraneoplastic syndrome with antibodies attacking multiple organs (heart, liver, kidneys), explaining all symptoms including rage, tachycardia, and kidney failure. Initially missed because melanoma is rare in Black patients and typically occurs on lighter-skinned areas.
Antibodies produced by body to fight melanoma acted like growth hormone and attacked multiple organ systems, causing the patient's rage, heart problems, liver inflammation, and kidney failure.
Also known as: Self-inflicted gunshot wound
Soldier deliberately shot himself in the foot attempting to avoid deployment and separation from pregnant wife. Developed infection requiring toe amputation, but Army would still deploy him as nine-toed soldiers are considered fit for duty.