Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 2
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Chicago Med’s second season elevates the clinical stakes, moving beyond standard emergency room trauma into the realm of complex congenital defects, rare psychiatric presentations, and epidemiological crises. The writers continue to blend high-octane interpersonal drama with obscure medical mysteries, challenging the staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center to rely on both cutting-edge technology and physical intuition.
Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode review of the medical diagnoses, treatments, and conditions featured throughout Season 2.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Contained Rupture of the Aorta (Pseudoaneurysm)
The season opens with a high-stakes trauma case involving Cheryl Martin, a pregnant patient involved in a T-bone collision. A CT scan revealed a pseudoaneurysm—a contained rupture of the aorta. The case highlighted the delicate balance of maternal-fetal medicine; while the team initially considered a "wait and watch" approach to spare the fetus from radiation, the leak expanded, necessitating immediate intervention. The resolution involved a hybrid procedure: an emergency C-section due to fetal distress, followed immediately by the deployment of a stent to repair the mother's aorta.
Tinea Versicolor and Opioid Overdose
The case of Emmie Miles initially presented as a toxicology emergency. After smoking a fentanyl patch, the teenager required aggressive stabilization with Narcan. However, the medical narrative shifted to psychiatry when it was revealed she believed she had Vitiligo. Dr. Charles and Dr. Reese uncovered that her distress was based on a misdiagnosis; a skin scraping confirmed she actually had Tinea Versicolor, a treatable yeast infection. This case underscored how correctable physical ailments can drive severe psychological distress.
Retrobulbar Hemorrhage
In a case demonstrating the urgency of ocular trauma, an HIV-positive patient, Greg Allen, suffered a retrobulbar hemorrhage after being struck by a car. The hematoma caused high intraocular pressure, threatening permanent blindness. The treatment was invasive and immediate: a lateral canthotomy performed with surgical scissors to release the pressure and save the eye.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Left Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, treated with a chest tube.
Latent Tuberculosis (TB): An infected but non-contagious state requiring long-term antibiotics.
Myocardial Infarction (M.I.): Obstruction of blood flow to the heart requiring immediate care.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib): A life-threatening rhythm requiring defibrillation.
HIV Positive Status: Chronic infection requiring specific safety protocols during invasive procedures.
Vitiligo: An incurable skin condition characterized by pigment loss.
Hemolysis: Abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, seen here as a bypass complication.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach): Rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles.
Fetal Distress: Signs of inadequate oxygenation in a fetus necessitating delivery.
Renal Failure: Sudden inability of the kidneys to filter waste.
Asystole: Total absence of electrical heart activity (flatline).
Episode 2
Infant Botulism
Three-month-old Alicia presented with lethargy and loss of muscle tone ("floppy baby syndrome"). While initial differentials included brain swelling, the diagnosis turned on a detailed history: grass stains on the father’s clothes revealed the baby had been on the ground at a park. The infant had contracted botulism from contaminated soil. Treatment involved an antitoxin to halt the disease, with a full recovery expected.
Pituitary Tumor (Prolactinoma)
Mr. McGregor, a homeless patient, appeared to be suffering from alcoholic hallucinosis. However, his vivid memories of the past and frequent falls suggested a structural issue. Imaging revealed a massive pituitary tumor pressing on his optic chiasm, explaining his blindness. The tumor was identified as a prolactinoma, which is responsive to medication, offering a non-surgical route to restoring his sight.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
This congenital defect involves the underdevelopment of the left side of the heart. The patient, infant Timothy Williams, required a heart transplant for survival. The case was complicated by a pleural effusion and cardiac arrest, highlighting the fragility of pediatric transplant candidates.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Capgras Syndrome: The irrational belief that a familiar person has been replaced by a duplicate.
Molluscum Contagiosum: A pox virus presenting as raised, candy-like lesions.
Schizophrenia: A chronic disorder affecting thought and behavior.
Delusional Disorder: Persistent delusions absent of other schizophrenic symptoms.
Alcoholic Hallucinosis: Hallucinations triggered by heavy alcohol use.
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD): Social inhibition and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Stroke/Intracranial Bleed: Disruption of blood flow to the brain causing neurological deficit.
Tuberculosis (TB): Infectious bacterial disease affecting the lungs.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Unstable moods and relationships.
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Presence of distinct personality identities.
Gout: Inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals.
Episode 3
Bifurcated Vena Cava and Embolic Stroke
Trauma patient Glenn Simon presented with a femur fracture but unexpectedly stroked out. Dr. Rhodes identified a rare anomaly: a bifurcated vena cava. This congenital defect allowed emboli from the leg to bypass the lungs and hit the brain directly. The repair required deep hypothermic circulatory arrest—cooling the body to 20°C and stopping the heart to operate.
Pseudocyesis
A patient presenting with all the signs of late-stage pregnancy—including contractions and hypertension—was found to have no fetus. Diagnosed with pseudocyesis, or "hysterical pregnancy," her condition was a somatic manifestation of severe anxiety and identity loss.
Prostate Cancer in a Transgender Patient
This diagnostic challenge involved a transgender woman who presented with transient blindness. The cause was retinal autoantibodies produced in response to a tumor. Despite transitioning years prior, the patient still had a prostate gland, and a biopsy confirmed prostate cancer.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Right Femur Fracture: Major trauma capable of releasing emboli.
Migraines: Chronic recurring headaches.
Transient Blindness: Temporary vision loss indicative of underlying issues.
Second-Degree Burn: Blistering skin injury.
Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure.
Miscarriage: Spontaneous pregnancy loss.
Exotic Fevers (Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow Fever): Viral differentials for high fever.
Mononucleosis/Strep Throat: Common viral and bacterial infections.
Panic Disorder: Recurring episodes of intense fear.
Psychosis: Loss of contact with reality.
Bronchospasm: Constriction of bronchioles causing oxygen drops.
Bladder Cancer: Malignancy of the urinary bladder.
Pseudoaneurysm: Collection of blood between artery wall layers.
Enlarged Prostate: Growth of the prostate gland.
Mitochondrial Disorder: Condition interfering with cellular energy production.
Episode 4
Thymoma with SVC Compression
Edward Hall, an elderly patient with dementia, presented with neck swelling and a bruit. A thymoma (chest tumor) was compressing his superior vena cava (SVC). The case escalated when the tumor hemorrhaged, cutting off oxygen. Despite initial refusal of care by the next of kin, the team performed a successful emergency excision.
Colistin-Resistant Enterobacter (CRE) Outbreak
A public health crisis emerged when multiple patients presented with a "super bug"—CRE. The epidemiology team traced the outbreak to a design flaw in an endoscope tip that harbored bacteria despite sterilization. Treatment required ceftazidime/avibactam, the only effective antibiotic for this resistant strain.
Heroin Withdrawal and Bowel Obstruction
A young patient, Danny, presented with a bowel obstruction and combativeness. While treated for heroin withdrawal, an X-ray revealed a tracking device implanted in his chest, identifying him as a victim of sex trafficking.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Psychosis/Delusional Disorder: Beliefs of being a religious figure.
Persistent Vegetative State: Long-term unresponsiveness.
Burst Aneurysm: Ruptured blood vessel leading to hemorrhage.
GI Bleed: Hemorrhage within the digestive tract.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune disorder requiring immunosuppressants.
Chronic Anemia: Deficiency of red blood cells.
Episode 5
Osteopetrosis
Eight-year-old Phoebe presented with deafness and fractures, initially raising suspicions of abuse. However, the discovery of wrist weakness led to a diagnosis of osteopetrosis. This rare genetic "stone bone" disease causes abnormally dense bones prone to breakage and cranial nerve compression.
Aortic and Lung Lacerations
A marathon runner suffered a "bike vs. auto" trauma resulting in a perforated aorta from a rib fracture. The team performed a field thoracotomy and utilized an experimental portable bypass unit. Despite a 24-minute clamp time, the patient avoided paralysis.
Non-Exertional Heat Illness and Malnutrition
An elderly patient, Olga, presented with heat exhaustion and volume overload. Blood work showing raised taurine levels revealed she was eating cat food due to poverty, leading to a diagnosis of malnutrition alongside her heat illness.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hemothorax: Blood in the pleural cavity.
Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib): Irregular heart rhythm.
Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in lung arteries.
Congestive Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump efficiently.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation managed with opioids.
Arterial Occlusion: Loss of limb circulation ("Cold Leg").
Opioid Overdose: Toxic reaction causing respiratory depression.
Massive Coronary: Severe heart attack.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Wrist weakness affecting fine motor tasks.
Episode 6
Acute Liver Failure and Cerebral Edema
Adolescent cancer patient Hayley Kline developed acute liver failure, leading to diffuse cerebral edema. Despite aggressive management with a ventricular drain and liver dialysis, the intracranial pressure caused brain stem herniation and death.
Ischemic Bowel
Mr. Logan presented with abdominal pain that suddenly vanished—a hallmark sign of bowel necrosis. Dr. Halstead correctly diagnosed an embolic clot from undiagnosed A-fib. Surgery confirmed dead bowel, which was resected.
Gastric Obstruction (Body Hacking)
A young "body hacker" swallowed a prototype robot intended to repair intestinal walls, resulting in a gastric obstruction that required endoscopic removal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Gout: Ruled out joint condition.
Cirrhosis: Chronic liver scarring.
Paranoia: Mirroring disorder in psychiatry residents.
Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat causing clots.
Aortic Valve Failure: Malfunction requiring revision.
Anxiety: Debilitating worry.
Heroin Addiction: Physical dependency on opioids.
Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder affecting lungs and digestion.
Renal Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on kidneys.
Episode 7
Strongyloidiasis Hyperinfection
Reggie Dixon, a Vietnam veteran, died from a parasitic infection (Strongyloides) contracted decades prior. Steroids for colitis suppressed his immune system, triggering a fatal hyperinfection that caused systemic organ failure.
Endocarditis (Q Fever)
Pamela Blake presented with psychotic symptoms, but physical signs (fever, splinter hemorrhages) pointed to endocarditis. The pathogen was identified as Q fever from exposure to farm animals. Surgeons performed an aortic reconstruction to clear the infection.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Influenza: Viral infection causing fever.
Colitis: Inflammatory bowel condition.
Respiratory Infection: General distress requiring antibiotics.
MRSA: Antibiotic-resistant staph infection.
Tuberculosis: Infectious lung disease.
Gastric Hemorrhage: Severe stomach bleeding.
Naegleriasis: Rare brain-eating amoeba (investigated/ruled out).
Episode 8
Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
Nurse April Sexton was diagnosed with MDR-TB, activated by pregnancy. The treatment dilemma involved choosing between the mother’s life and a medication that carried a high risk of fetal neural tube defects.
Aortic Stenosis (Williams Syndrome)
Karina Goff, a patient with Williams Syndrome (characterized by high sociability), required surgery for severe aortic stenosis. Despite the high anesthesia risks associated with her genetic condition, the valve repair was successful.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Ventricular Ectopy: Irregular heartbeats ("fluttering").
Penetrating Stab Wound: Injury requiring imaging for vessel damage.
HIV: Viral infection complicating organ donation.
Common Cough: Routine respiratory symptom.
Depression: Mood disorder with self-harm risk.
V-Tach/Cardiac Arrest: Lethal arrhythmia.
Sociopathy: Personality disorder characterized by manipulation.
AIDS: Advanced HIV infection.
Lacerated Esophagus: Injury from swallowing sharp objects.
Intradialytic Hypotension (IDH): Blood pressure drop during dialysis.
Episode 9
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
A young patient, Ted Baylor, initially treated for DKA and pancreatitis, was found to have non-small cell lung cancer. Emergency radiation caused the tumor to burst, leading to fatal Tumor Lysis Syndrome—a massive release of cellular contents into the bloodstream.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Tuberculosis: Infectious disease requiring isolation.
Hematoma/Finger Dislocation: Trauma injuries.
Cauliflower Ear: Deformity from undrained ear hematoma.
Orbital/Rib Fractures: Bone breaks from impact.
End-Stage Heart Failure: Condition requiring LVAD support.
Alcoholism: Substance dependency.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Critical complication of diabetes.
Intracranial Hemorrhage: Brain bleed.
Cushing’s Reflex: Response to high intracranial pressure.
Cholelithiasis: Gallstones.
Gallstone Pancreatitis: Inflammation caused by duct obstruction.
Persistent Vegetative State: Wakefulness without awareness.
Acute Pericarditis: Heart inflammation with effusion.
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar.
Anencephaly: Severe fetal brain defect.
Asthma: Chronic airway inflammation.
Episode 10
Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Bria, a teenager in a car accident, was found to have an incidental spinal AVM. This tangle of blood vessels threatened paralysis or hemorrhage and required neurosurgical cauterization.
Bulimia and Mitral Valve Prolapse
Jockey Felix Koslow presented with electrolyte imbalances and tooth enamel erosion, revealing severe bulimia. The chronic purging led to a mitral valve prolapse, requiring nutritional rehabilitation to reverse the cardiac damage.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Brainstem Herniation: Fatal displacement of brain tissue.
Brain Death: Irreversible loss of brain function.
Tuberculosis: Infectious disease monitoring.
Alcoholism: Dependency affecting transplant eligibility.
Hypovolemia: Low blood volume.
Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones in the bile duct.
Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged chest lymph nodes.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome/Cardiac Tamponade: Complications reviewed in M&M conference.
Episode 11
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in a Giant Panda
In a unique veterinary case, a Giant Panda named Su Lin was treated for an ASD. The defect caused SVT and cardiac arrest. Dr. Rhodes used a catheterization procedure to close the hole, avoiding open-chest surgery.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Overdose
Three teenagers presented with seizures and combativeness after using "Spice." The overdose caused renal failure and cerebral edema in one patient, requiring dialysis and mannitol.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s)
Dr. Latham was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. He underwent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which allowed him to perceive emotional subtext for the first time.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Asystole: Flatline.
PCP Intoxication: Suspected cause of combativeness.
Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical brain activity.
Influenza: Viral respiratory infection.
Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
Pectus Carinatum: Chest wall deformity.
Renal Failure: Kidney shutdown requiring dialysis.
Tuberculosis: Bacterial infection.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid heart rate.
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung.
Cerebral Edema: Brain swelling.
Subclinical Seizures: "Silent" seizures seen on EEG.
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid around the heart.
Alcoholism: "Battle fatigue" in physicians.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): Lethal arrhythmia.
Respiratory Failure: Inability to oxygenate.
Episode 12
Situs Inversus Totalis
Trauma patient Jason Dodd’s EKG leads appeared reversed because his heart was on the wrong side. He was diagnosed with Situs Inversus Totalis—a complete mirroring of internal organs.
Mucormycosis
A diabetic patient was diagnosed with mucormycosis, a devastating fungal infection invading the cribriform plate. Despite a subtle presentation of eye swelling, the mortality rate remained extremely high.
Mirror Touch Synesthesia
A young girl, Ariel, physically felt her mother's pain. She was diagnosed with Mirror Touch Synesthesia, a condition where mirror neurons cause the patient to experience the sensations of others.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid heart rate.
Ulcer: Stress-related stomach sore.
Sinus Infection: Bacterial infection causing facial pain.
Polyembolokoilamania: Insertion of foreign objects into the body.
Achalasia/Abdominal Migraine: Differentials for stomach pain.
Schizophrenia: Mental disorder (ruled out).
Seizure: Convulsions without nystagmus.
Asperger’s: Developmental disorder.
Acute Meningitis: Inflammation of brain membranes.
Episode 13
Toxoplasmosis
Lydia Holloway refused heart treatment to care for her cats. She was diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can alter behavior and reduce concern for one’s own safety.
Advanced Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
A child with cancer showed tumor regression after his father withheld chemotherapy. The "spontaneous immune recovery" suggested the break allowed his own body to fight the disease.
Fractured Personality (Tulpamancy)
Grace Snow created a "tulpa" (sentient imaginary being) to cope with trauma. This was diagnosed as a fractured personality serving as a coping mechanism rather than psychosis.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Asperger’s Syndrome: Neurodevelopmental condition.
Diabetes Mellitus: Metabolic disorder.
Sepsis: Life-threatening infection response.
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Split personality.
Schizophrenia: Psychotic illness.
Pseudo-aneurysm: Vascular complication.
Blunt Cardiac Trauma: Heart injury from impact.
Panic Attack: Acute anxiety episode.
Type A Aortic Dissection: Critical tear in the aorta.
Episode 14
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
A pregnant trauma patient suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, disrupting her clotting factors. The team performed a rapid bedside C-section and massive transfusion to save her.
95% TBSA Burns
Burn victim Rod Winter presented with 95% full-thickness burns. His lack of pain indicated nerve destruction. Due to resource scarcity during a storm, he was triaged to palliative care.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Crushed Airway: Trauma requiring manual ventilation.
Polytrauma: Multiple system injuries.
Transected Temporal Artery: Bleeding head injury.
Aortic Stenosis: Valve narrowing requiring replacement.
Torn Aorta: Lethal deceleration injury.
Vertebral Fractures: Spinal breaks.
Bilateral Femoral Fractures: Thigh bone breaks.
Kinked Femoral Artery: Vessel compression.
V-fib: Lethal arrhythmia.
Sinus Tachycardia: Rapid heart rate.
Bilateral Thigh Hematomas: Blood accumulation.
Hemothorax: Blood in chest.
Malignant Narcissism: Personality disorder.
Unstable Pelvic Fracture: Injury causing hemorrhagic shock.
Episode 15
Viral Myocarditis
Melody Sayers presented with flu symptoms that were actually viral myocarditis. Her heart function dropped to 20%, requiring cardiopulmonary support and plasmapheresis.
Spinal Abscess
Paraplegic patient Nick presented with sepsis. A scan revealed a Gram-negative spinal abscess caused by unregulated stem cell injections.
Polytrauma (Fall from Height)
Justin Pepper survived a 33-story fall. The critical injury was a massive subdural hemorrhage, treated with a craniotomy despite coagulopathy risks.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Influenza: Viral infection.
Axial Load Injury: Compression from falling.
Long Bone Fractures: Leg breaks.
Tension Hemopneumothorax: Air/blood in chest.
Vertical Shear of Hemipelvis: Severe pelvic fracture.
C-Spine Fractures: Neck breaks.
Septic Shock: Infection causing low BP.
Stroke: Neurological deficit.
Tuberculosis: Ongoing pregnancy complication.
Situational Syncope: Fainting from stress.
Ovarian Cancer: Painful malignancy.
Colonic Pseudo-obstruction: Colon distension without blockage.
Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack.
Asystole: Flatline.
Fetal Demise: Miscarriage requiring D&C.
Episode 16
Locked-in Syndrome
Teresa Azen was misdiagnosed as vegetative for five years. Dr. Abrams identified that she had Locked-in Syndrome; she was fully conscious but paralyzed. An eye-tracking device allowed her to communicate.
Tetralogy of Fallot
Pediatric patient Bruna suffered from Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex heart defect causing cyanosis. She underwent surgical reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Persistent Vegetative State: Wakefulness without awareness.
UTI: Infection indicated by bloody urine.
Hydronephrosis: Kidney swelling.
Anorexia Nervosa: Eating disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Emotional instability.
Schizophrenia: Brain disorder.
Aortic Valve Disease: Valve malfunction.
Coronary Artery Disease: Blockages requiring bypass.
Toxic Chemical Ingestion: Swallowing hazardous substances.
Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings.
Pulmonary Hypertension: High lung pressure.
Cocaine-Induced Heart Attack: Overdose from burst drug packet.
Episode 17
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Jim Kessler suffered a heart attack that caused necrosis of the heart muscle, leading to a hole in the septum (VSD). Emergency patch repair was required over a standard bypass.
Conversion Disorder
Teenager Kevin Roth presented with paralysis that had no physical cause. Diagnosed with conversion disorder, his physical symptoms were a manifestation of psychological distress over moving away from friends.
Hypothermic Brady-arrest
A pediatric drowning victim was revived after 90 minutes of CPR. Using the principle that a patient is "not dead until warm and dead," the team used lavage and bypass to restore him to life without neurological deficit.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Runny nose/Earache: Minor ailments.
Abdominal pain: Injury symptom.
Cold shock: Reaction to freezing water.
V-fib: Arrhythmia from hypothermia.
Coagulopathy: Clotting failure.
Lead Poisoning: Toxicity (ruled out).
Lyme Disease: Bacterial infection (ruled out).
Hemorrhage: Internal bleeding.
Necrosis: Tissue death.
Cancer: Pediatric oncology.
Miscarriage: Pregnancy loss.
Episode 18
Pica (Gasoline Ingestion)
Pilot Sean Adams presented with anemia and pneumonitis. He was diagnosed with Pica, a compulsion to eat non-nutritive substances; he had been drinking gasoline, which caused esophageal erosions.
Coarctation of the Aorta
Teenager Brandon required a carotid subclavian bypass after a graft to fix his aortic narrowing occluded, threatening the loss of his arm.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Gunshot Wound: Abdominal trauma.
Alzheimer’s: Neurodegenerative disease.
Depression: Mood disorder.
V-fib: Cardiac arrest.
Acute Renal Failure: Kidney shutdown.
Respiratory Failure: Lung failure.
Profound Anemia: Low red blood cells.
SVT: Rapid heart rate.
Upper GI Bleed: Hemorrhage.
Gastric Ulcer: Stomach sore.
Pneumonitis: Lung inflammation.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Infection from inhaling fluids.
Episode 19
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Lyla Dempsey presented with "square wave jerks" in her eyes. This led to the revelation of her diagnosis of PSP, a terminal neurodegenerative disease similar to Parkinson’s that affects swallowing and breathing.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
Desmond Rawls was diagnosed with Valley Fever, a fungal infection. Despite living in the Great Lakes, he inhaled spores from a car air filter that originated in California.
Bullet Embolism
Trauma patient Jason had an entry wound but no exit. Ultrasound revealed the bullet had embolized through his veins and lodged in his right ventricle, requiring removal via thoracotomy.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Scalp Laceration: Head cut.
Wrist Fracture: Bone break.
Epiglottitis: Airway inflammation.
Mumps: Viral gland infection.
Cancer: Malignancy investigation.
Insomnia: Sleep disorder.
Stroke: Brain ischemia.
Basal Ganglia Disorder: Motor control issue.
Adverse Reaction to Ambien: Drug side effect.
Coronary Artery Disease: Heart blockage.
Auditory Hallucinations: Hearing non-existent sounds.
Episode 20
Scurvy
A toddler presented with weakness and bleeding gums. The cause was nutritional scurvy due to a diet consisting solely of chocolate milk and crackers.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Dr. Halstead’s father presented with heart failure due to a NSTEMI and a failed mitral valve. He required emergency open-heart surgery for valve replacement and bypass.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Intestinal Perforation: Gunshot injury.
Orbital/Nasal Fracture: Facial trauma.
Pulmonary Contusion: Lung bruising.
NSTEMI: Heart attack.
Pleural Effusion: Fluid around lungs.
Anemia: Low iron/blood cells.
Delusional Disorder: Psychosis.
Paraphilic Disorder: Sexual impulse disorder leading to self-mutilation.
Episode 21
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Pregnant patient Gayle Parks required an LVAD due to heart failure. The surgery was performed off-bypass to protect the fetus, but the trauma resulted in pregnancy loss.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Mr. Walker appeared stable with a minor heart attack but died suddenly. Autopsy revealed a missed massive pulmonary embolism.
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Robin Charles presented with psychosis. It was determined to be an autoimmune reaction to a mediastinal teratoma (tumor). Removal of the tumor and plasmapheresis cured the "psychiatric" symptoms.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Collapsed Lung: Pneumothorax.
Bradycardia/Hypotension: Shock signs.
Chemo-Induced Nausea: Cancer treatment side effect.
V-tach/V-fib: Lethal arrhythmias.
Asystole: Flatline.
Thyrotoxicosis: Thyroid storm.
PVCs: Extra heartbeats.
Cardiac Decompensation: Heart failure.
Persistent Vegetative State: Brain dysfunction.
Embolic Stroke: Clot to brain from A-fib.
Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular rhythm timed via fitness app.
Episode 22
Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE)
Teenager Allison Nicholson developed encephalitis from HSV-2. The source was sexual assault facilitated by a dentist using sedatives; the virus incubation matched the timeline of the assault.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and DIC
Trauma patient Gary Foster revealed he had ALS. He developed Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) after a fall. He chose to treat the DIC with heparin to preserve his organs for donation, even though it accelerated his death from brain hemorrhage.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Schizophreniform Disorder: Short-term psychosis.
Multiple Fractures: Severe trauma.
Subdural Hematoma: Brain bleed.
Meningitis: Brain inflammation.
Insomnia: Sleep disorder.
Anxiety: Psychological distress.
Miscarriage: Pregnancy loss.
Diabetes with Peripheral Neuropathy: Numbness leading to foot injury.
Episode 23
Acute Asthma Exacerbation
Marwan, a poly-trauma patient, had unresolving airway issues. The team realized he was suffering a severe asthma attack masked by trauma. Steroids resolved the crisis.
STEMI and Valvular Heart Disease
Don Crocker suffered a heart attack and required a valve replacement. A calcium deposit blocked a coronary artery during a minimally invasive TAVR, necessitating emergency open-heart surgery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Poly-trauma: Multiple severe injuries.
Tib-fib fracture: Leg break.
Rib fractures/Hemothorax: Chest trauma.
Pulmonary congestion: Fluid in lungs.
Sclerosis/Epilepsy: Neurological conditions.
Segmental lung collapse: Airway blockage.
Distal radial fracture: Wrist break.
Hypoxia: Low oxygen.
Diffuse airway disease: Widespread lung issue.
Bilateral consolidation: Fluid filled lungs.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Complex Diagnostics: Season 2 emphasizes rare conditions that mimic other ailments, such as Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis presenting as psychosis and Pica presenting as GI bleeding.
🗝️ Trauma and Ethics: Several episodes focus on the ethical complexity of trauma care, including organ donation in ALS patients and treating victims of sex trafficking.
🗝️ Cardiovascular Focus: Heart defects (HLHS, VSD, ASD) and aortic emergencies (dissections, coarctations) remain a central pillar of the show's medical drama.
🗝️ Psychiatric Overlap: The intersection of physical and mental health is prominent, with diagnoses like conversion disorder, fractured personalities, and psychosomatic pregnancies.
🗝️ Infectious Disease: From "super bug" outbreaks (CRE) to ancient parasites (Strongyloides), the season highlights the danger of infectious pathogens.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 2
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 2
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