Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 10
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Season 10 of Chicago Med raised the stakes significantly, blending high-octane trauma events—including a commuter ship accident and a tunnel collapse—with complex, rare medical mysteries. From "stone babies" to experimental hypothermic protocols, the ED staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center faced a relentless barrage of physiological and psychological challenges.
Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode breakdown of the medical diagnoses, treatments, and clinical outcomes presented throughout the season.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Ellis (6-year-old male) Following a commuter ship accident, a young hemophiliac patient presented with a moderate laceration on his lower calf. While initially treated for shock, the injury rapidly evolved into a life-threatening infection of the fascia. Diagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria), the infection likely entered through the wound during the crash. Treatment required a difficult balance of aggressive antibiotics and surgical debridement to remove necrotic tissue, complicated by the patient's bleeding disorder.
Glioma (Brain Tumor)
Zoey A pediatric patient in the foster system was investigated for headaches and sudden speech deficits. MRI imaging revealed a large 6x4 cm glioma in Broca’s area. While the tumor explained her speech impairment, surgical intervention carried a risk of permanent speech loss. Without surgery, the tumor would progress to Stage 4 cancer. Zoey underwent a successful resection performed by Dr. Abrams.
Epilepsy
Mr. Harley The driver of the ship involved in the mass casualty event suffered a near-fatal intraoperative seizure while being treated for splenic laceration and rib fractures. Blood work revealed Dilantin, indicating a concealed six-year history of epilepsy. A breakthrough seizure was determined to be the cause of the collision.
Abruptio Placentae and Bowel Perforation
Kelsey A 39-week pregnant trauma victim was impaled by a railing, resulting in a placental abruption and perforated bowel. Doctors performed an emergency concurrent surgery to deliver the baby and repair the bowel. Despite falling into V-fib, both mother and child survived.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Second and Third-Degree Burns: Treated following electrical fires; involved melted synthetic materials.
Tension Pneumothorax: Treated via needle decompression or chest tube.
Drowning: Presented with apnea and low GCS.
Rib Fractures: Thoracic injuries associated with lung trauma.
Hip Dislocation: Required manual reduction.
Splenic Laceration: Grade 5 tear causing hemorrhagic shock.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib): Cardiac arrhythmia requiring defibrillation.
Liver Laceration: Traumatic tear requiring surgical repair.
Retroperitoneal Bleed: Hemorrhage behind the abdominal cavity.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach): Rapid rhythm requiring stabilization.
Episode 2
Paraquat Poisoning
Cadet Herrera An ROTC student presented with a fractured ankle but quickly deteriorated into respiratory distress, tongue swelling, and metabolic acidosis. By cross-referencing a similar case involving a farmer, doctors deduced the patient had ingested marijuana contaminated with Paraquat, a toxic pesticide. The patient had also taken niacin (Vitamin B3) to pass a drug test. Treatment involved dialysis and a high-potency regimen including Cyclophosphamide.
Metastatic Ewing's Sarcoma
Max A young soccer player, believed to be in remission, presented with chest pain. A CT scan revealed his Ewing’s sarcoma had metastasized to his spine and lymph nodes. With a terminal prognosis of a few months, Max opted for palliative debulking surgery to extend his life slightly, despite the result being permanent paralysis.
Epidural Hematoma
Kendall Lange A pregnant patient with a history of schizophrenia suffered a "ped versus auto" accident after a psychotic break caused by medication non-compliance. She presented with a blown pupil, indicating an epidural hematoma. An emergency bedside IO needle aspiration was performed to relieve intracranial pressure before surgery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Suspected Rib Fracture: Ruled out via X-ray.
Ankle Fracture/Dislocation: Treated via reduction and splinting.
Sinus Rhythm with PVCs: Cardiac anomaly linked to falling oxygen levels.
Placental Eruption: Ruled out via ultrasound.
Viral Gastroenteritis: Initial differential diagnosis.
Avian Flu (H5N1): Considered due to farm exposure.
Heart Failure: Ruled out via BNP and echo.
Anaphylactic Response: Suspected due to airway compromise.
Metabolic Acidosis: Diagnosed via arterial blood gas.
Kidney Failure: Treated with dialysis.
Head Trauma: Resulting in neurological deterioration.
Episode 3
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Oliver A pediatric patient arrived in respiratory arrest after ingesting a high dose of his grandmother’s benzodiazepines. Treatment involved a pediatric i-gel for airway management and the administration of a reversal agent, leading to a successful recovery.
Blast Trauma
Darren Ritter Following a restaurant explosion, this patient was assessed for internal injuries. Despite tachycardia, diagnostic imaging (X-rays and CT) ruled out spinal damage or internal bleeding.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Smoke Inhalation: Monitored following fire exposure.
Hand Trauma: Injury from a belt buckle impact.
Tachycardia: Observed in trauma assessment.
Suspected C-Spine Injury: Ruled out after fall from height.
Dorsal Contusion: Bruising from impact with an oxygen tank.
Episode 4
Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)
Tessa Myers Initially presenting with what looked like blunt force trauma, it was discovered the patient had inflicted chemical burns on her eyes using acid. She was diagnosed with Body Integrity Identity Disorder, a condition where she desired blindness to relieve "visual overload." Treatment required an emergency lateral canthotomy and psychiatric intervention.
Neurosarcoidosis
Adam Finley A father appeared to be faking his daughter's Crohn's disease symptoms (Munchausen by proxy). However, a seizure revealed Adam was suffering from neurosarcoidosis and was using his daughter’s prescriptions to treat himself due to a lack of insurance.
Ruptured Subcapsular Hematoma (Liver)
Elise Thompson In a review of a maternal mortality case, it was determined that a missed diagnosis of pre-eclampsia led to a ruptured subcapsular hematoma of the liver, DIC, and fatal exsanguination.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Reflux/Aortic Dissection: Differential diagnoses for chest pain.
Ankle Sprain: Minor orthopedic injury.
Retrobulbar Hemorrhages: Pressure behind the eye.
Orbital Compartment Syndrome: Ocular emergency requiring canthotomy.
Crohn’s Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease.
Fistulas/Abscesses: Complications of intestinal inflammation.
Orbital Cellulitis/Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis/Meningitis: Risks of untreated eye infection.
Addiction: Discussed regarding chemical dependency.
Uterine Atony/DIC: Obstetric complications.
Episode 5
Corticosteroid-Induced Psychosis
Ted Kachler A patient exhibiting erratic "brain glitch" behavior was found to be overdosing on fluticasone nasal spray. The excessive use of the corticosteroid triggered a psychotic episode, which resolved as the medication cleared his system.
Lithopedion ("Stone Baby")
Mary Katherine (MK) A patient presenting with abdominal pain was found to have a lithopedion, a calcified fetus from a pregnancy decades prior that had been retained in the uterus. The condition became symptomatic due to premenopausal hormonal changes.
Fetal Atrioventricular Block
Olivia's Fetus An unborn child was diagnosed with a heart block caused by the mother's SSA antibodies. The mother was treated with steroids and IV therapy to replace dangerous antigens, restoring the fetal heart rate.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Corneal Irritation: Chemical exposure.
Diverticulitis: Large intestine inflammation.
Pneumonia: Respiratory infection.
Rabies Exposure: Required preventative vaccination.
Deep Laceration: Required suturing.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Discussed regarding sensory overload.
Episode 6
Dissociative Amnesia
Cody Lawson A 15-year-old presented with no memory of his identity following a fall. Under sedation, he recovered a repressed memory of his father's death. The diagnosis was dissociative amnesia, a psychological defense mechanism against trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injury & Sagittal Sinus Hemorrhage
Jordan Bennett Following a 20-foot fall, a patient underwent a hemicraniectomy for massive brain edema. During surgery, a massive venous bleed from the sagittal sinus occurred, proving fatal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Multiple Blunt Force Trauma: Ribs, wrist, knee injuries.
Insect Bites: Fire ant reaction.
Malnutrition/Hypothermia: Results of disciplinary camp abuse.
Pregnancy/Active Labor: Term gestation.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Context for trauma history.
Traumatic Impalement: Fatal injury from fence spikes.
Vaginal Tear: First-degree obstetric injury.
Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound: Thoracic trauma.
Episode 7
Septic Shock
Declan Russell A patient in septic shock from a post-operative infection required resuscitation after going into V-fib. He was stabilized with antibiotics.
Liver Failure (Cirrhosis)
Greg Wright Trauma from a construction accident pushed a patient with underlying cirrhosis into acute liver failure.
Semaglutide-Induced Pancreatitis
Jemma Ramirez A teenager presented with pancreatitis caused by the secret use of semaglutide (a weight loss drug) obtained online.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Self-inflicted Gunshot Wound: Firearm trauma.
Soft Tissue Injury: Axe wound.
Massive Head Trauma: Required hemicraniectomy.
Panic Attack: Hyperventilation/tachycardia.
Stroke: Neurological emergency.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in lungs.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Cardiac arrest rhythm.
Episode 8
Atlanto-Axial Fracture-Dislocation
Aaron Decembly A car accident victim suffered a fracture-dislocation of C2-C3 ("spine torn in half") and occlusion of both vertebral arteries. Despite being neurologically intact, he was a "ticking time bomb" for stroke or death. He underwent high-risk neurosurgery to stabilize the spine and restore flow to the brain stem.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Tachycardia: Heart rate 165 bpm.
Facial Contusions/Neck Pain: Trauma symptoms.
Aspirin Overdose: Historical diagnosis.
Diabetes/Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar regulation issues.
Rib Fractures: 7th and 8th ribs.
Leukopenia: Low white blood cell count.
Episode 9
Addison’s Disease
Ariel Sparkman Initially treated for a suspected antidepressant overdose (later revealed to be placebo), the patient’s craving for salt and memory loss pointed to Addison’s disease. Diagnosis was confirmed via ACTH stimulation test.
Progressive Moyamoya Disease
Allie A foster child with Moyamoya disease (narrowed carotid arteries) required bilateral bypass surgery. Surgeons utilized a specialized braiding technique to spare her hair during the incision, addressing her psychological fear of bullying.
Traumatic Pancreatic Laceration
Sharon Goodwin Following a stabbing, Goodwin suffered a transected common bile duct and pancreatic laceration. She underwent a Trauma Whipple procedure to reconstruct her digestive tract.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Antidepressant Overdose: Suspected initially.
Diabetes: Comorbidity risk.
Episodic Memory Loss: Symptom of Addison's.
Broken Ribs/Tension Pneumothorax: Surgical complications.
Asystole: Cardiac flatline.
Graves' Disease: Ruled out.
Episode 10
Aortic Aneurysm with Dissection
Sloan Hunter Severe upper back pain revealed an aortic aneurysm with dissection involving the coronary arteries. The patient required emergency surgical repair.
Angiosarcoma in Conjoined Twins
Elijah and Powell Hughes Conjoined twins sharing a heart faced a rapidly growing angiosarcoma. Separation surgery was performed using intermittent aortic occlusion. One twin (Powell) succumbed to a stroke and brain herniation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Splenic Laceration/Thromboembolism: Fatal blood clot.
Pleural Effusion: Fluid in chest.
Ventricular Tachycardia: Unstable rhythm.
Second-Degree Burns: Skin injury.
PCOS: Hormonal disorder.
Splenic Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Vascular abnormality.
Episode 11
Hemorrhagic Shock (Hypothermic Protocol)
Sergeant Trudy Platt Suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and asystole, Platt was placed on an experimental hypothermic protocol (cooling body to <50°F) to pause metabolism. This allowed surgeons to repair the aorta and liver before re-warming her.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Margaret Simshaw A "Jane Doe" blast victim was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma via bronchoscopy, which helped identify her through asbestos-related lawsuit records.
Tension Pneumothorax
Jacob A subway collapse victim developed a tension pneumothorax and subsequent hemothorax. He was treated in the field with a makeshift chest tube fashioned from a straw.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Crush Injury/Hyperkalemia: Field amputation required to prevent potassium surge.
Head Trauma: Blunt impact.
Radius/Ulna Fracture: Forearm break.
Chest Contusion: Chest wall bruising.
Facial Scarring/Digit Trauma: Identification hindrances.
Episode 12
Morphine Toxicity
Abby Campbell A patient deteriorated due to an accidental overdose (8mg vs 2mg) of morphine caused by a staff error. She was successfully revived with Narcan.
Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI)
Sharon Goodwin Goodwin was diagnosed with PTSI after experiencing "visual intrusions" of her attacker. Treatment involved CBT and potential SSRIs.
Peripartum Depression with Psychotic Features
Vivian Corrigan A suicide attempt disguised as a fall was linked to severe peripartum depression. The patient reported auditory hallucinations and a "sinking feeling."
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Blood Clot: Fatal rapid onset.
Substance Use Disorder: Opioid/Alcohol discussions.
Appendicitis/Norovirus/Meningitis/Stroke: Differential diagnoses.
Ankle Sprain/Displaced Fracture: Orthopedic injuries.
Post-delivery Hemorrhage: Required hysterectomy.
Episode 13
Eviscerated Lung and Constrictive Cardiomyopathy
Victor Tullman A motorcycle crash victim coughed his lung through a rib fracture (eviscerated lung). Concurrent constrictive cardiomyopathy required a complex dual repair.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Eva Copeland A pregnancy located in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy) required laparoscopic removal.
Renal Hemorrhage
Adam O'Rourke A slow bleed from a renal hemorrhage and vena cava injury required an emergency nephrectomy (kidney removal).
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Dementia/Medical Neglect: Transgender patient denied HRT.
Bleeding Disorders/Diabetes: Screening items.
Bedsores: Sign of neglect.
Hyperlipidemia/Hypothyroidism: Managed via statins/levothyroxine.
PTSD: Severe psychiatric emergency.
Dislocated Hip: Rapid manual reduction.
Episode 14
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Arianna A 12-year-old presented with septic shock caused by a retained tampon. Diagnosed as Toxic Shock Syndrome, she was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Aortic Bullet Embolism
Brayden Whitlocker A bullet entering the left ventricle embolized into the aorta. Emergency surgery prevented catastrophic blood loss.
Accidental LSD Intoxication
Dr. Dean Archer Dr. Archer experienced LSD intoxication after contact with a patient's sticker. He was monitored until the effects subsided.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Viral Infection/Mononucleosis: Ruled out.
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid around heart.
Slide Bite: Hand injury from firearm.
Non-Accidental Trauma: Signs of child abuse.
Episode 15
Femur Fracture and Traumatic Amputation
Sadie Smith A woman trapped in a well suffered a femur fracture and impalement. Extraction required a field amputation using ketamine sedation.
Hypoxic Shock Arrest
Dr. Mitch Ripley Trapped in a tunnel collapse, Dr. Ripley suffered hypoxic shock arrest due to oxygen deprivation. He was resuscitated via manual ventilation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Pediatric Arm Fracture: Fall injury.
Heart Attack: Theatrical plot point.
Traumatic Shock: Cold/tachycardia.
Claustrophobia: Psychological stressor.
IVF Pregnancy: Clinical context.
Episode 16
Neurocytoma and Secondary Hydrocephalus
Josephine Tucker A patient in a 22-year coma woke up due to a neurocytoma acting as "jumper cables" for her brain. The tumor also caused hydrocephalus. Surgical resection was required to manage lethal intracranial pressure, and the patient maintained some function post-op.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Seizure/Bradycardia/Hypotension: Acute symptoms.
Increased Neuroplasticity: Brain reorganization.
Ankle Fracture/Brain Hemorrhage: Trauma injuries.
Hematemesis/Esophageal Tears: Vomiting blood.
Ipecac Poisoning/Aversion Therapy: Self-harm method.
Dehydration: Electrolyte imbalance.
Degenerative Neurological Disorder: Familial trait.
Episode 17
Panic Attacks (Psychosomatic)
Milo Perdera A heart transplant recipient presented with tachycardia believed to be rejection. It was determined to be psychosomatic panic attacks linked to "cellular memory" of the donor’s drowning.
Ovarian Cancer in Pregnancy
Laurel A pregnant patient was diagnosed with ovarian cancer via tumor markers. Surgery was performed in the second trimester to prevent metastasis.
Tetrodotoxin Poisoning
Astrid Ingestion of pufferfish toxin led to fulminant liver failure and death.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
PCP Intoxication: Drug-induced psychosis.
Brain Bleed: Subdural/epidural hematoma.
Organ Rejection: Post-transplant risk.
Electric Shock: Trauma during pregnancy.
Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS): Rare prion disease mentioned.
Episode 18
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
Ron Parker An EKG revealed WPW Syndrome, an extra electrical pathway in the heart causing arrhythmia. Treated via catheter ablation.
Behavioral-variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD)
Cynthia Parker Personality changes and atrophy on the frontal/temporal lobes confirmed a diagnosis of bvFTD, a terminal dementia.
Coral Snake Envenomation
Miles A pediatric patient required specific zoo-sourced antivenom following a coral snake bite, which does not respond to standard CroFab.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Nerve compression.
Uterine Necrosis: Required hysterectomy.
Prion Disease/GSS: Investigated in siblings.
Myocardial Infarction/Congestive Heart Failure: Ruled out.
Toxidrome/Organophosphate Poisoning: Differential diagnoses.
Fetal Demise: 20-week loss.
Episode 19
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Clarissa Thatcher A trauma victim with a liver laceration was found to have Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (chronic liver disease). She required an emergency living donor transplant, provided by the ambulance driver involved in her accident.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Hysterectomy: Surgical history.
Forearm Deformity/Head Laceration: Trauma injuries.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Pediatric infection.
Thermal Burn: Scalding injury.
Norovirus: GI infection.
Ovarian Cancer: Malignancy.
Post-Operative Hypertension: Transplant complication.
Episode 20
Spinal Abscess (Pseudomonas)
Frederick Lambert A cosmetic chemical peel allowed Pseudomonas aeruginosa to enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis and a spinal abscess. Treated with ceftazidime.
Tibial Osteosarcoma
Joanna Richards Unexplained weight loss led to the discovery of an aggressive osteosarcoma in the tibia.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Anaphylaxis: Peanut allergy.
Hemothorax: Chest trauma.
Non-sustained V-tach: Cardiac arrhythmia.
Valvular Heart Disease: Required Commando procedure.
Strep Throat: Familial infection.
Concussion/Cardiac Arrest: Acute emergencies.
Episode 21
Thoracic Fibrosis
Alea Lancer A leukemia survivor developed thoracic fibrosis (scarring) from chemotherapy, constricting her heart and lungs. She required a lung transplant.
Suspected Prion Disease
Kip Lenox Tremors and paralysis led to an investigation for a familial prion disease.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Pneumonia/Respiratory Failure: Lung compromise.
Leukemia: Cancer history.
Multiple Sclerosis/Transverse Myelitis: Neurological differentials.
Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic lung disease.
Episode 22
Herniated Disk
Kip Following genetic testing, Prion disease was ruled out. The patient’s symptoms were caused by a herniated disk, treated with steroids.
Major Depressive Disorder
Anna Charles A car crash initially treated as an accident was revealed to be a suicide attempt driven by Major Depressive Disorder.
End-Stage Lung Failure
Noah A patient dependent on ECMO underwent a successful lung transplant.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed:
Psychosis: Acute episode.
Pregnancy: Surrogate screening.
Opioid Use Disorder: Addiction history.
Concussion/Fractures/Pulmonary Contusion: Crash injuries.
Traumatic Amputation: Reference to well case.
Cognitive Decline: Dementia reference.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Trauma Complexity: This season emphasized field medicine, including amputations in wells, makeshift chest tubes in subways, and hypothermic preservation for gunshot victims.
🗝️ Psychological Intersections: Many diagnoses, such as BIID, psychosomatic panic attacks, and Dissociative Amnesia, highlighted the powerful link between psychiatric health and physical symptoms.
🗝️ Rare Pathologies: The show explored medical oddities like Lithopedions ("Stone Babies"), Neurocytomas causing wakefulness in coma patients, and toxicity from pufferfish and coral snakes.
🗝️ Chronic & Genetic Conditions: Long-term struggles with conditions like Addison's Disease, Moyamoya Disease, and familial Prion anxiety played central roles in character arcs.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 10
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 10
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