Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 5
- Jan 28
- 13 min read
Season 5 of Chicago Med intensifies the clinical landscape with a gripping array of cases ranging from baffling infectious outbreaks to complex ethical dilemmas involving end-of-life care and experimental surgeries. As the medical team navigates everything from mass psychogenic illness to the vaping crisis, they are forced to balance cutting-edge medical interventions with the raw emotional weight of patient advocacy.
Below is a detailed review of the primary medical cases and additional diagnoses presented throughout the season.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Severe Hypothyroidism and Pituitary Hyperplasia
Thomas Donovan, a young patient, presented with headaches, fatigue, and peripheral vision loss. Initial imaging suggested a craniopharyngioma pressing on the optic chiasm. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Choi noted the patient's slow pulse and small stature, leading to a revised diagnosis of severe hypothyroidism. This condition caused pituitary hyperplasia (enlargement of the organ), which mimicked a tumor. Treatment: The patient was treated with levothyroxine, which successfully shrank the hyperplasia and restored vision without invasive surgery.
Metastatic Adenocarcinoma
Maggie Lockwood discovered a suspicious mass during a routine mammogram. Diagnosis and Progression: A biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Staging required a PET scan to determine the spread. Treatment: Options included mastectomy or lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Dr. Natalie Manning suffered blunt head trauma and a liver laceration after a vehicle collision. Diagnosis and Progression: While the liver injury was non-operative, she was diagnosed with a TBI characterized by significant retrograde memory loss. Treatment: Management involved intubation during unresponsiveness and monitoring for cognitive recovery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Insulin Overdose: Fatal administration of excessive insulin investigated in a non-diabetic patient.
Recurrent Lymphoma: Return of lymphatic cancer after remission.
Displaced Rib Fractures: Broken ribs requiring plating or observation.
Drug-Induced Psychosis: Delusions and agitation requiring toxicology screening.
Cardiac Arrest: Sudden loss of heart function due to trauma or medical interference.
Schizophrenia: Chronic mental disorder requiring long-term management.
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung treated with a chest tube.
Slashed Carotid Artery: Critical vascular trauma causing massive blood loss.
Episode 2
Mass Psychogenic Illness
Lacey, a high school student, and her classmates presented with seizures and tremors. Diagnosis and Progression: Initially suspected to be an environmental toxin or bacterial meningitis, Dr. Charles identified the condition as Mass Psychogenic Illness caused by extreme academic stress and unconscious imitation. Treatment: Symptoms resolved after the administration of a placebo (orange Tic Tacs). Long-term care involved therapy for anxiety.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Darren, a paramedic involved in a crash, suffered internal bleeding that escalated during a power outage. Diagnosis and Progression: A ruptured pelvic hematoma caused intra-abdominal pressure to rise critically. Treatment: Unable to reach the O.R., doctors performed a bedside thoracotomy and used a REBOA balloon to stabilize hemorrhage.
Coronary Artery Disease
Mr. Lentz presented with chest pain and 70% stenosis that functioned as a 95% blockage. Diagnosis and Progression: The patient required urgent intervention for coronary artery disease. Treatment: An "off-pump" coronary artery bypass was performed on a beating heart due to the power failure.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Metastatic Adenocarcinoma: Malignant tumor spreading from glandular tissue.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain damage from external force causing memory loss.
Gunshot Wound: Penetrating trauma requiring arterial clamping.
Eclamptic Crisis: Pregnancy complication characterized by seizures.
Breast Cancer: Malignancy treated with lumpectomy and chemotherapy.
Hypothermia: Dangerous drop in body temperature exacerbating bleeding.
Bacterial Meningitis: Infection of brain membranes requiring isolation.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib): Disordered heart rhythm treated with defibrillation.
Episode 3
Glioblastoma (GBM) and Cryonic Vitrification
Todd "Shep" Shepard, an 18-year-old with terminal brain cancer, ingested a lethal cocktail of drugs to facilitate cryonic preservation. Diagnosis and Progression: While the physical diagnosis was terminal GBM, the clinical focus was on his decisional capacity. Dr. Charles deemed him incapacitated due to drug-induced personality changes. Treatment: He was initially resuscitated, but support was later withdrawn to honor his wish for cryonic vitrification after his parents accepted the terminal nature of his condition.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Keisha, a burn victim, "crashed" after being sedated for debridement. Diagnosis and Progression: Pigment spots on her feet led Dr. Manning to diagnose adrenal insufficiency. The sedative etomidate had interfered with cortisol production, triggering an adrenal crisis. Treatment: Stabilization was achieved with 100mg of hydrocortisone.
Traumatic Evisceration
Louisa Nash arrived eviscerated following a forced fetal extraction. Diagnosis and Progression: The patient suffered massive blood loss and a uterine laceration from the assault. Treatment: Dr. Marcel performed an extensive surgical repair to save the uterus rather than a hysterectomy.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Breast Cancer: Malignancy undergoing chemotherapy.
Concussion: TBI requiring monitored recovery.
Lymphoma: Progressive lymphatic cancer.
Distal Radius Fracture: Wrist bone break with minimal displacement.
Neonatal Cyanosis: Oxygen deprivation in a newborn.
Chest Laceration: Deep cut to the chest wall.
Epidural Bleed: Blood collection between skull and dura mater.
Meningitis: Inflammation ruled out via lumbar puncture.
Pneumothorax: Lung collapse requiring a chest tube.
Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissues.
Addison’s Disease: Chronic adrenal insufficiency.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Injury causing cognitive impairment.
Episode 4
Necrotizing Fasciitis (Staph Strain E-87)
A severe outbreak of "flesh-eating bacteria" occurred at an apartment building and university lab. Diagnosis and Progression: The pathogen was identified as Strain E-87, a genetically altered Staphylococcus. It caused rapid tissue death and septic shock. Treatment: Aggressive debridement and amputation were required for survival. Antibiotic treatment involved high-dose Gentamicin after Vancomycin proved only bacteriostatic.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Septic Shock: Infection leading to low blood pressure and organ failure.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Cardiac arrest rhythm managed with CPR and epinephrine.
Asystole: Cessation of heart activity.
Lyme Disease: Tick-borne illness mentioned in biological weapon theories.
AIDS: Chronic immune condition caused by HIV.
Psychosis: Loss of contact with reality and paranoid delusions.
Episode 5
Pancreatic Mass and Small Bowel Obstruction
Carl Harris presented with chronic pain and nausea. Diagnosis and Progression: An MRI revealed a solitary mass in the distal pancreas causing a partial bowel obstruction. Treatment: A distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed to remove the mass and prevent perforation.
Bipolar Disorder
Eunice Kim, a law associate, was admitted after days of manic behavior and sleeplessness. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Charles diagnosed a manic episode symptomatic of bipolar disorder. Treatment: Initial stabilization with M-TABs followed by long-term medication management and counseling.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism
Neal Bowe developed a swollen calf that progressed to a pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis and Progression: A blood clot traveled to his lungs. Treatment: The patient suffered fatal cardiac arrest before interventional treatment could be completed.
Pneumonia
Lucas, a toddler, presented with wheezing and fever. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with pneumonia after blood tests showed infection markers. Treatment: Dr. Manning administered antibiotics against the parents' wishes to prevent fatal complications.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cancer (Chemotherapy): Treatment for malignancies.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Injury requiring cognitive monitoring.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Gastrointestinal distress.
Ulcer: Gastric sore causing pain.
Post-nasal drip: Mucus accumulation causing cough.
Allergies: Seasonal reaction causing inflammation.
Tapeworm: Parasitic infection.
Panic Attack: Acute anxiety episode.
Sepsis: Systemic infection risk from perforation.
Dehydration: Fluid deficit requiring IV replacement.
Bacterial Sinus Infection: Respiratory infection.
Ear Infection: Common pediatric ailment.
Hives: Allergic skin reaction.
Breast Cancer: Treated with chemotherapy.
Episode 6
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)
Lucas, a young boy, presented with fever and coughing up blood. Diagnosis and Progression: Initially treated for pneumonia, a biopsy of a rash confirmed GPA, a rare autoimmune disorder. Treatment: The patient was stabilized with plasmapheresis.
Coronary Artery Disease
Claire presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe atherosclerosis and a small heart attack were identified. Her feminizing hormone therapy was a complicating factor for clots. Treatment: Stents were placed, and hormone therapy was discontinued to reduce risk.
Splenic Laceration
David Bridges suffered a splenic laceration in a car accident. Diagnosis and Progression: Active internal bleeding persisted despite embolization. Treatment: An emergency blood transfusion was administered after evidence suggested the patient had left the Jehovah's Witness faith.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Traumatic Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung treated conservatively.
Pneumonia: Respiratory infection.
Sepsis: Systemic reaction to infection.
Food Poisoning: Illness from contaminated food.
Cancer: Malignant disease.
Sinus Infection: Nasal inflammation.
Bleeding Disorder: Clotting failure.
Strep Throat: Bacterial throat infection.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Head injury complications.
Episode 7
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)
Tom Lyons presented with blistering skin and photosensitivity, believing he was a vampire. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Halstead diagnosed Hepatitis C, which triggered Porphyria Cutanea Tarda. Treatment: Antivirals were prescribed for the underlying infection.
Septic Shock
Sergeant Gina Todd developed an infection at the interface of her bionic arm. Diagnosis and Progression: An abscess caused septic shock. Treatment: Emergency surgical drainage saved her life and the prosthetic limb.
Brain Herniation
Kayla Patten, a 7-year-old trauma victim, suffered a coup contrecoup injury. Diagnosis and Progression: Intracranial pressure spiked, leading to the Cushing reflex and herniation. Treatment: Despite ICP management, the patient died from asystole.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cancer: Malignancy requiring community support.
Concussion: TBI with grogginess.
Posterior Elbow Dislocation: Joint displacement.
Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Pressure buildup in the skull.
Cushing Reflex: Sign of massive brain pressure.
Episode 8
Measles and Viral Pneumonia
Ben, a chemotherapy patient, presented with fever and lesions. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with measles, which progressed to pneumonia due to his immunocompromised state. Treatment: Mandatory quarantine and supportive care.
Renal Clot
Lori Shelton, a transplant recipient, collapsed with a clot in her new kidney. Diagnosis and Progression: A clot blocked blood flow; allergy to contrast complicated the diagnosis. Treatment: Steroids allowed for a CT scan, followed by tPA to break the clot.
Acute Appendicitis
Dennis, a livestreamer, allowed followers to vote on his care. Diagnosis and Progression: Appendicitis progressed to near-perforation and sepsis. Treatment: Surgical appendectomy was performed after consent was obtained.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Splenic Laceration: Grade-3 injury requiring splenectomy.
Non-surgical Abdominal Distension: Manageable swelling.
Epistaxis: Nosebleed.
Nephrotic Syndrome: Kidney disorder causing protein loss.
Food Poisoning: Abdominal pain cause.
Lower Extremity Fracture: Leg bone break.
Rib Fractures: Blunt trauma injury.
Anaphylactic Shock: Severe allergic reaction.
Acute Kidney Distress: Rapid creatinine rise.
Septic Shock: Infection leading to hypotension.
Psychiatric Crisis: Mental health emergency.
Episode 9
Low Ovarian Reserve
April Sexton underwent fertility evaluations. Diagnosis and Progression: Tests revealed early-onset menopause (low ovarian reserve). Treatment: Immediate IVF was recommended.
Atlantoaxial Instability
Jordy Collins, a patient with Down Syndrome, presented with whiplash symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI revealed congenital spinal instability. Treatment: High-risk surgical repair was chosen to allow him to continue sports.
Stenosis
Sophie Davis underwent surgery for congenital tricuspid atresia. Diagnosis and Progression: High pulmonary artery pressure was caused by stenosis. Treatment: Angioplasty and fenestration successfully decompressed the pressure.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Acute Respiratory Failure: Respiratory collapse requiring intubation.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Fatal metabolic crisis.
Myocardial Infarction (MI): Heart attack.
Uremia: Toxin accumulation in blood.
Dialysis Catheter Occlusion: Clotted catheter.
Down Syndrome: Chromosomal disorder.
Whiplash: Neck injury.
Male Infertility: Reproductive issue.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Fatal heart rhythm.
Asystole: Cardiac flatline.
Diffuse Airspace Disease: Lung fluid accumulation.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in lungs.
Episode 10
Systemic Mastocytosis
Priya Patel suffered recurring "panic attacks" unresponsive to therapy. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis, a genetic condition mimicking panic attacks exacerbated by fluoxetine. Treatment: Antidepressants were replaced with antihistamines.
Ischemic Bowel
Alex Minguez entered hemorrhagic shock after a car accident. Diagnosis and Progression: Surgery revealed ischemic bowel and mesentery bleeding. Treatment: Bowel resection and vessel clamping.
Opioid Use Disorder
Lynne Driscoll, an addict, overdosed after leaving AMA. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe addiction led to fatal overdose despite rapid detox attempts. Treatment: Resuscitation failed.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Low Ovarian Reserve: Infertility cause.
Finger Dislocation: Joint trauma.
Superficial Partial Thickness Burn: Skin injury.
Pneumothorax: Lung collapse.
Panic Disorder: Psychiatric condition ruled out.
Forearm Laceration: Deep cut.
Measles: Viral infection.
Cancer in Remission: No active disease.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Life-threatening arrhythmia.
Episode 11
Surfactant Protein Deficiency (SP-B)
Mazie, a newborn, presented with cyanosis and respiratory distress. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with SP-B, a rare interstitial lung disease. Genetic testing revealed an embryo swap error. Treatment: Living-donor lung transplant from her biological parents.
55% TBSA Full-Thickness Burns
A John Doe (misidentified as Dr. Sam Abrams) suffered severe burns and spinal injury. Diagnosis and Progression: Critical burns and paralysis. Treatment: Resuscitated after initial withdrawal of support when true identity was revealed.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Infant Hypothermia: Treated with warming blankets.
Drug Overdose: Toxic ingestion.
Premature Labor: Early birth onset.
Placental Abruption: Placenta detachment.
Cerebral Edema: Brain swelling.
Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
Asystole: Cardiac arrest.
Episode 12
EVALI
Alice Winston, 12, deteriorated after a bus crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury) exacerbated by trauma. Treatment: Intubation and sedation were required for respiratory failure.
Infective Endocarditis
Mike Monroe, a heroin addict, presented with heart failure. Diagnosis and Progression: Endocarditis and aortic regurgitation destroyed his heart valve. Treatment: Valve replacement was performed after bypassing standard psychiatric clearance protocols.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Drug Overdose: Toxic substance amount.
Malignancy: Cancerous growth.
Internal Hemorrhage: Bleeding into body cavity.
Broken Ribs: Thoracic injury.
Leukemia: Blood cancer.
Severe Anemia: Red blood cell deficiency.
Intermittent Dysrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats.
Jugular Vein Injury: Neck vein laceration.
Kidney Laceration: Renal injury.
Depression: Mood disorder.
Bipolar Disorder: Mood instability.
Influenza: Viral infection.
Tachycardic Atrial Fibrillation: Rapid irregular heart rhythm.
Expanding Hematoma: Blood collection compressing airway.
Airway Compression: Restricted breathing.
Carotid Artery Injury: Major artery trauma.
Coagulopathy: Clotting impairment.
Episode 13
Crohn’s Disease and Congenital Insensitivity to Pain
Infant Axel presented with crying and weight loss; his mother Julia had a painless fistula. Diagnosis and Progression: Axel had Crohn's disease. Julia was diagnosed with Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (FAAHP1 microdeletion), masking her own Crohn's symptoms. Treatment: GI treatment for Axel and surgery for Julia.
Impulse Control Disorder
Jamie Shaw, 11, violently attacked his brother. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with unstable mood regulation disorders exacerbated by puberty. Treatment: "Psychiatric lockout" (state custody) was required to fund residential treatment.
Uterine Fibroid
Chloe James presented with obstruction symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: Large fibroid compressing the rectum. Treatment: Myomectomy performed to preserve fertility.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Opioid Use Disorder: Addiction requiring management.
Bilateral Mandible Fracture: Jaw break requiring wiring.
Fractured Metacarpals: Hand bone breaks.
Omphalocele: Congenital abdominal defect.
Bilateral Femur Fractures: Thigh bone breaks.
Small Bowel Mesentery Tears: Intestinal injury.
Shattered Pelvis: Pelvic fractures with hematoma.
Severed External Iliac Artery: Fatal vascular injury.
Episode 14
Catatonia
Xavier, thought to be in a vegetative state, exhibited "waxy flexibility." Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Charles diagnosed catatonia induced by trauma. Treatment: Ventilator disconnected; patient began breathing independently.
Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity
Nina suffered anaphylaxis after intercourse. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with an allergy to seminal plasma. Treatment: Epinephrine for acute reaction; condoms and desensitization for long-term management.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rick Tyler developed dark urine after a leg injury. Diagnosis and Progression: Muscle toxins caused renal failure and multi-system organ failure. Treatment: Amputation was authorized too late; patient died.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Narcotic Addiction: Substance dependence.
Yeast Infection: Fungal infection.
Infected Pressure Ulcer: Bed sore.
Liver Laceration: Hepatic tear.
Renal Failure: Kidney shutdown.
Preeclampsia: Pregnancy complication.
Episode 15
Cyanide Poisoning
Derek Jordan presented with abdominal pain and bronchospasm. Diagnosis and Progression: Suicidal ingestion of cyanide. Treatment: Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit) administered after confession.
Sickle Cell Crisis
Siana Fredericks, pregnant, suffered a crisis and transfusion reaction. Diagnosis and Progression: Anemia and inflammatory reaction to blood. Treatment: Emergency C-section saved mother and baby.
Digoxin Toxicity
Larry Simpson overdosed on heart medication. Diagnosis and Progression: Bradycardia resistant to external pacing. Treatment: Internal pacing wire and permanent pacemaker.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Compartment Syndrome: Muscle pressure leading to necrosis and death.
Addiction: Substance struggle.
Anemia: Low hemoglobin.
Respiratory Failure: Oxygenation failure.
Necrosis: Tissue death.
Sepsis: Systemic infection response.
Bronchospasm: Airway constriction.
Kidney Failure: Renal shutdown.
Episode 16
Dyskinesia
Krista Butler presented with involuntary movements. Diagnosis and Progression: Dyskinesia caused by interaction between secret risperidone dosing and hospital anti-nausea meds. Treatment: Haldol for symptoms; psychiatric hold.
End-Stage Liver Disease
Jasmine presented with liver failure signs. Diagnosis and Progression: Required transplant; donor was revealed to be unrelated via malignant hyperthermia history. Treatment: Transplant proceeded despite ethical breach.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Opioid Use Disorder: Addiction needing recovery.
Pregnancy-related Hemorrhage: Labor emergency.
Early-onset Schizophrenia: Psychiatric condition.
Dehydration: Fluid imbalance.
Malignant Hyperthermia: Anesthetic reaction.
Infertility: Failed IVF.
Episode 17
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mindi Remus was brought in for seizures; her mother was suspected of Munchausen by proxy. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Charles diagnosed the mother with PTSD and hypervigilance from Mindi's premature birth, ruling out abuse. Treatment: Family kept together; mental health treatment for mother.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
April Sexton collapsed during IVF treatment. Diagnosis and Progression: Enlarged ovaries and ascites from excessive hormone medication. Treatment: Paracentesis and fluid management.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Chronic Abscess: Retained foreign body (car seat foam) from old GSW.
Cancer and Remission: Post-treatment state.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Prematurity complication.
Gunshot Wound: Traumatic injury.
Ovarian Torsion: Twisted ovary.
Vaping-Related Lung Damage: Lung tissue destruction.
Substance Addiction: Compulsive dependence.
Episode 18
Urea Cycle Disorder
Joy developed pulmonary edema and seizures. Diagnosis and Progression: High ammonia levels revealed a genetic disorder triggered by protein loading. Treatment: Enzyme supplements and low-protein diet.
Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer
Nick Elms presented with obstruction. Diagnosis and Progression: Familial adenomatous polyposis progressed to cancer. Treatment: TaTME surgery performed; patient died of pulmonary embolism.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Acute Renal Failure: Uremia in Alzheimer’s patient.
Cirrhosis: Liver failure in foster child.
Drug Addiction: Neurochemical dependency.
Distal Fibula Fracture: Ankle break.
Hyperkalemia: High potassium.
Uremia: Blood toxins.
Congestive Heart Failure: Poor heart pumping.
Binge-Eating Disorder: Psychological condition.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Cardiac arrest.
Asystole: Flatline.
Pulmonary Embolism: Lung clot.
Episode 19
Cervical Insufficiency and Placenta Previa
Marcie Burton, pregnant with terminal brain cancer, presented with bleeding. Diagnosis and Progression: Cervical dilation threatened the pregnancy. Treatment: Abdominal cerclage attempted; patient died during surgery.
Esophageal Varices
Auggie presented with GI bleeding. Diagnosis and Progression: Ruptured varices due to liver failure. Treatment: Emergency TIPS procedure.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Major Depressive Disorder: Suspected suicide attempt via fall.
Drug and Romance Addiction: Behavioral parallels.
Dental Cavities: Preventable decay.
Fractured Left Arm: Trauma injury.
Blunt Cardiac Arrest: Heart stop from impact.
Stroke: Potential crash cause.
Ruptured Diaphragm: Organ migration.
Tension Pneumothorax: Trapped air.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Liver brain toxicity.
Cardiac Ectopy: Irregular rhythm.
Episode 20
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
Trent Sutton collapsed with self-inflicted needles in his chest. Diagnosis and Progression: Needles were used to relieve chest pressure caused by WPW syndrome (extra electrical pathway). Treatment: Surgical removal of needles and correction of the heart defect.
Hemothorax and Clotted Blood
Billy Harris presented with a clotted hemothorax after a bike crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Blood accumulation in the chest. Treatment: Video-assisted thoracoscopy to clear clots.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cracked Ribs: Chest trauma.
Diaphragmatic Hernia: Congenital defect.
Penetrating Injury: Chest puncture.
Cellulitis: Skin infection.
Pulmonary Embolism: Lung blockage.
Anxiety-Driven Compulsion: Behavioral disorder.
Gunshot Wound: Firearm injury.
Respiratory Arrest: Breathing cessation.
Leukemia: Blood cancer.
Allergic Drug Reaction: Immune response.
Collapsed Lung: Pneumothorax.
Drop Foot: Nerve injury.
Addiction: Relapsing disorder.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Emerging Public Health Threats: This season highlights modern medical crises, specifically the "flesh-eating" bacterial outbreak (necrotizing fasciitis) and the EVALI (vaping injury) epidemic, demonstrating how environmental and social factors rapidly alter the clinical landscape.
🗝️ Genetic Mysteries: Rare conditions such as Systemic Mastocytosis, Urea Cycle Disorder, and Congenital Insensitivity to Pain underscore the importance of looking beyond obvious symptoms to find the underlying genetic "smoking gun."
🗝️ Ethical Grey Zones: The medical team frequently navigated moral complexities, from performing unauthorized surgeries to save lives (Dr. Halstead with the addict's valve replacement) to the "psychiatric lockout" required to secure funding for a child's mental health treatment.
🗝️ The Impact of Trauma: Physical trauma often revealed deeper issues, such as the mother diagnosed with PTSD rather than Munchausen by proxy, illustrating that patient history is as critical as the physical exam.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 5
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 5
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