A waitress with hyperthymesia (perfect autobiographical memory) presents with temporary leg paralysis, elevated CK levels, cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure, seizures, and involuntary movements (chorea). Initially thought to be separate conditions, her perfect memory and OCD behaviors are revealed to be symptoms of McLeod syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the nervous system and blood.
Also known as: Highly superior autobiographical memory
The patient has complete recall of every moment of every day since puberty. Initially presented as a unique phenomenon, it is later revealed to be a symptom of her underlying McLeod syndrome and related OCD.
Also known as: OCD Harm (violent obsessions)
The patient's compulsive puzzle-solving and inability to filter memories are manifestations of OCD caused by her McLeod syndrome. House offers her SSRIs to manage the OCD, which would also reduce her perfect memory.
Also known as: Kidney failure
The patient develops kidney failure as a complication of McLeod syndrome, requiring dialysis and ultimately a kidney donation from her estranged sister.
Also known as: Rhabdo
Indicated by elevated CK levels, muscle breakdown is one of the presenting symptoms related to her McLeod syndrome.
Also known as: V-tach
The patient develops a fast, wide-complex cardiac arrhythmia requiring emergency cardioversion, another manifestation of her McLeod syndrome affecting multiple organ systems.
Also known as: Seizure
The patient develops seizures post-kidney transplant surgery, indicating neurological involvement and progression of her McLeod syndrome.
Also known as: Involuntary movements
Involuntary hand movements (chorea) appear later in the episode, providing a key diagnostic clue that leads House to the final diagnosis of McLeod syndrome.