Also known as: Neck tumor
Bobby, a death row inmate, presents with seizure and TIA symptoms. Imaging reveals an extensive carotid body tumor that has spread to lymph nodes and is compressing vessels and cranial nerves. The tumor requires complex surgical resection with neuroprotection techniques. This case is central to the episode as Bobby is also discovered to have chimerism that could prove his innocence.
Also known as: Mini-stroke
Bobby suffers a TIA at the prison, causing temporary loss of blood flow to the brain and acute onset hemiplegia. This leads to his hospitalization and discovery of the underlying carotid body tumor.
Also known as: Two sets of DNA in one person
Genetic testing reveals Bobby has chimerism - two sets of DNA from a childhood bone marrow transplant. This discovery provides potential evidence that could exonerate him from murder charges, as the DNA at the crime scene may have belonged to his donor rather than Bobby himself.
Also known as: Kidney stones
Claire, a British tourist, presents with severe intermittent abdominal pain from large kidney stones stuck in her ureter. She undergoes lithotripsy but later develops septic shock and ischemic bowel, ultimately dying on the operating table. Her case highlights dangers of delaying medical care due to cost concerns.
Also known as: Life-threatening infection
Following lithotripsy for kidney stones, Claire develops gram-negative bacteremia and refractory septic shock that progresses rapidly despite antibiotics. The sepsis was likely present earlier but masked by kidney stone symptoms, leading to delayed recognition and fatal outcome.
Also known as: Intestinal tissue death from lack of blood flow
In the setting of septic shock, Claire develops acute ischemic bowel requiring emergency colonic resection. Despite surgical intervention, extensive necrosis has already occurred and she codes on the operating table and dies.
Also known as: Tree growing in lung
Bobby aspirates during his seizure at the prison, requiring evaluation for potential intubation though his oxygen saturation improves with supportive care.
Also known as: Blood cancer
Bobby's childhood leukemia is mentioned as part of his medical history. He received a bone marrow transplant at age 10 which later resulted in chimerism, a key plot point in potentially proving his innocence.