Also known as: Benign kidney tumor
Cuddy discovers a mass in her kidney during an ultrasound that drives the emotional core of the episode. Initially feared to be renal cell carcinoma with lung metastases, it is ultimately revealed to be a benign oncocytoma after surgical removal.
Also known as: Severe allergic reaction
Cuddy develops lung masses that are initially mistaken for metastatic cancer but are revealed to be an allergic reaction to antibiotics, mimicking her mother's known antibiotic allergy.
Also known as: Staph abscess with foreign body
The 16-year-old patient's staph infection forms an abscess around plastic shrapnel from a pipe bomb injury. When the abscess bursts, bacteria-laden fragments embolize throughout his body causing multi-organ complications including brain clot, liver failure, and bleeding.
Also known as: Depression
The teenage patient exhibits classic symptoms of depression including weight loss, sleep changes, loss of interest in activities he previously enjoyed (swim team), and social withdrawal. Chase identifies with his struggle.
Also known as: Brain dysfunction from liver failure
Ryan develops acute liver failure as a complication of his systemic staph infection, leading to hepatic encephalopathy and coma. He is treated with lactulose to reduce ammonia levels.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
House's addiction resurfaces when he takes Vicodin while visiting Cuddy in the hospital, which she later remembers. This relapse becomes the catalyst for their relationship ending, as Cuddy realizes he uses drugs to avoid emotional pain.