Also known as: Distorted sense of smell
Patient presents with distorted sense of smell, reporting burning flesh smells like licorice and antiseptics smell like blueberry muffins. This is the initial presenting symptom that drives the diagnostic mystery throughout the episode.
Patient develops peripheral vision loss described as 'looking through a well', adding to the constellation of symptoms being investigated.
Also known as: GI bleed
Patient experiences stomach pain and bleeding, initially suspected to be from vitamin overdose but discovered to be from ingested non-food items (bone fragments).
Also known as: Eating disorder causing stomach perforation
Patient revealed to have consumed bone fragments and other non-food items found in his digestive tract, though he claims it was voluntary for food in exchange rather than true pica.
Patient experiences panic attack and vomiting during MRI, attributed to claustrophobia from childhood abuse history.
Also known as: CRPS
Patient develops severe burning pain in his left arm that worsens despite treatment, adding to the evolving symptom picture.
Patient demonstrates poor motor coordination, unable to pick up a cup, suggesting cerebellar dysfunction as part of the diagnostic workup.
Also known as: Heart failure
Patient's heart becomes dilated and begins failing rapidly, creating an urgent medical crisis that accelerates the diagnostic process.
The final diagnosis: a genetic metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phytanic acid from chlorophyll in green vegetables. The patient's healthy hospital diet was actually poisoning him, explaining why all symptoms appeared or worsened after admission.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Patient's history includes heavy heroin use with an overdose requiring rehabilitation, though he claims to be clean for three months. This history complicates the diagnostic picture and influences the team's perception of him.
Also known as: Scalding burn
Patient initially brought to ER with burn injuries from an accident in the park, which serves as the entry point for discovering his other symptoms.