Also known as: Heat illness
A young boy is locked in a car during a heat wave, resulting in severe hyperthermia with a core temperature of 107°F. He requires emergency OR intervention with sedation, intubation, and cold water gastric lavage to prevent permanent brain damage.
Also known as: AV fistula
A man presents with delusions that he can control the weather with his mind. An AV fistula hidden by barometric pressure changes conceals a small benign tumor causing his psychotic symptoms. The tumor is successfully removed surgically after a storm drops the barometric pressure and triggers a seizure, revealing the underlying pathology.
Also known as: Brain malaria
A cloistered nun presents with severe hypothermia (94.5°F) during a heat wave, along with anemia and progressive aphasia. Initially misdiagnosed as endocarditis, she is eventually diagnosed with cerebral malaria contracted 30 years earlier during travels in Panama, now reactivated by the heat wave. Treated with intravenous artesunate.
Also known as: Heart valve infection
Sister Pursey is initially misdiagnosed with endocarditis when she develops ventricular tachycardia. This leads to treatment with triple antibiotic therapy before the correct diagnosis of cerebral malaria is made.
Also known as: Severe dehydration
Javier's brother presents with mild dehydration during the heat wave, which serves as the reason he brings Javier to the hospital where his more serious neurological condition is discovered.
Also known as: Diabetes
Floyd's mother has diabetes requiring insulin management. Floyd discovers he has been accidentally giving her expired insulin, causing dangerous blood sugar elevations. This subplot illustrates Floyd's caretaking challenges and medical oversight error.