Also known as: Tertiary syphilis affecting the brain
A 16-year-old birthday clown presents with a TIA (mini-stroke) and progressively worsening symptoms including thickened pericardium, bleeding, pleural effusion, and eye swelling. The team eventually discovers he has neurosyphilis contracted from childhood sexual abuse by his biological father 12 years prior. The dormant infection was reactivated by trauma and worsened by immunosuppressants, leading to severe Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
The patient experiences a severe immune reaction when antibiotics begin destroying the syphilis bacteria, leading to toxic byproducts that cause his immune system to overcompensate. This results in multiple organ failures before the team identifies the true diagnosis.
Also known as: Mini-stroke
The patient's presenting symptom - he suddenly loses mobility in his arm and leg at a children's birthday party. This is the first manifestation of his underlying neurosyphilis.
Also known as: Underactive thyroid
A clinic patient believes he has diabetes but is actually suffering from hypothyroidism caused by excessive consumption of bok choy (glucosinolates inhibiting thyroid function). His symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, and edema.