Also known as: Sickle cell carrier state
Teenage skateboarder presents with cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure, and hemothorax. Initially misdiagnosed as LAM (lymphangioleiomyomatosis) leading to a failed lung transplant. Eventually diagnosed with sickle cell trait that was exacerbated by high-altitude exposure in Denver, causing multi-system vascular damage requiring bone marrow and lung transplant from her brother with muscular dystrophy.
Also known as: CMD
Della's brother has severe congenital muscular dystrophy with life expectancy of about 25 years. He is wheelchair-bound and faces progressive respiratory decline. He ultimately donates bone marrow and half a lung to save his sister, despite the procedure significantly shortening his already limited lifespan.
Initially considered as the cause of Della's donor lung failure post-transplant. Team debates treating for rejection versus infection, choosing steroids for hyperacute rejection first. However, both rejection and infection treatments fail, leading to discovery of the underlying sickle cell trait misdiagnosis.
Also known as: Zinc toxicity
102-year-old patient presents with fatigue, weakness, tingling in feet and legs, and inability to feel hot and cold. Diagnosed with zinc poisoning from excessive use of denture cream (about a tube a day). His son wanted him placed in a nursing home due to these symptoms, but treatment is simply better-fitting dentures.