Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 7
- Jan 29
- 11 min read
Season 7 of Chicago Med brings a renewed focus on internal medicine mysteries and complex surgical interventions. With the arrival of new attending physicians Dr. Stevie Hammer and Dr. Dylan Scott, the team at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center faces a barrage of "zebra" diagnoses—rare conditions masquerading as common ailments—alongside the emotional toll of pediatric trauma and transplant ethics.
Below is a detailed review of the primary medical cases and additional diagnoses presented throughout the season.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Lois Durant, a former clinical trial participant, presented with fluid retention and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and Progression: While initial symptoms suggested valve regurgitation, Dr. Halstead suspected an outflow obstruction. A Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a sub-aortic obstruction. Treatment: The surgical team performed a myectomy to clear the obstruction rather than a valve replacement.
Sickle Cell-Induced Stroke
Jasmine, a 10-year-old with sickle cell disease, arrived lethargic and unresponsive. Diagnosis and Progression: A head CT confirmed a pediatric stroke caused by sickled cells thickening the blood and causing a blockage. Treatment: An exchange transfusion was administered to replace sickled cells with healthy red blood cells.
Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
Gemma Brooks presented with abdominal bloating and free fluid. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst requiring surgery. The case was complicated by the twins' lack of individuation, leading them to switch places to ensure they both had surgical scars. Treatment: Surgery was halted before the wrong twin was operated on; the sisters settled for matching scars.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Rattlesnake Envenomation: Treated with antivenom.
Appendicitis: Inflammation requiring removal.
Sinus Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate.
Pulmonary Embolism: Respiratory distress.
Open Radial Fracture: Forearm break with puncture.
Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Valve leakage.
Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder.
Episode 2
Addisonian Crisis (Factitious Disorder)
Brandon, 17, lost consciousness with low blood pressure and high glucose. Diagnosis and Progression: Initially suspected as Munchausen by proxy, it was revealed Brandon was self-dosing medication to induce symptoms and avoid a clinical trial. Treatment: Stabilization of the acute crisis and discharge after establishing patient autonomy.
Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD
Krista Valdez, a human rights attorney, overdosed on sleeping pills. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with PTSD and depression stemming from her work with child soldiers. Treatment: Activated charcoal via NG tube and transfer to a psychiatric facility.
Mangled Extremity
Sean Ritner presented with a pulseless arm after a motorcycle crash. Diagnosis and Progression: A mangled extremity requiring revascularization. Treatment: A reverse saphenous vein graft and thrombectomy successfully restored the pulse, avoiding amputation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
ICU Acute Kidney Injury: Renal complication.
Diabetes Mellitus: Glucose regulation issue.
Hyperthyroidism: Metabolic condition ruled out.
Pancreatitis: Inflammatory condition excluded.
Anxiety Disorder: Treated with Ativan.
Brachial Artery Occlusion: Vessel blockage.
Episode 3
Olfactory Groove Meningioma
Jim Foster exhibited uncharacteristic aggression and anosmia (loss of smell). Diagnosis and Progression: An olfactory groove meningioma was identified as the cause of his disinhibition and sensory loss. Treatment: Neurosurgery consult and steroids.
Recurrent Lupus with Brain Inflammation
Candace Mason was struck by a car due to vision loss. Diagnosis and Progression: Active Lupus caused optic neuritis and brain inflammation. Treatment: MRI referral for assessment.
Benign Mediastinal Mass
Gina Hawley concealed a massive neck growth. Diagnosis and Progression: A benign tumor enveloped major vessels, leading to hemoptysis. Treatment: Complex neck dissection and potential sternotomy.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Gunshot Wound: Abdominal trauma.
COVID-19: Potential cause of anosmia.
Ankle Sprain: Soft tissue injury.
Diabetes: Requiring monitoring.
Migraine: Persistent head pain.
Episode 4
Bipolar Disorder (Misdiagnosed Schizophrenia)
Roland presented with spastic contractions from antipsychotics. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Charles identified that Roland had been misdiagnosed with schizophrenia due to racial bias; his true condition was bipolar disorder. Treatment: Medication adjustment and therapy.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Ashley Bardsley lived for 30 years believing she had a fatal brain cancer. Diagnosis and Progression: Molecular biopsy confirmed the tumor was a benign pilocytic astrocytoma. Treatment: Diagnosis correction.
Esophageal Tear
Pete Channing swallowed a large ice cube, causing pneumoperitoneum. Diagnosis and Progression: An esophageal tear at the gastro-esophageal junction. Treatment: Emergency surgical repair.
Aortic Tumor
Mr. Kumar presented with back pain and paralysis. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI revealed a rare aortic tumor occluding spinal blood flow. Treatment: Cardiovascular surgery to remove the tumor.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Ankle Sprain: Negative fracture screen.
Amnesia: Memory loss post-trauma.
Distal Radius Fracture: Wrist break.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in lungs.
Radiation Necrosis: Tissue death.
Hypertension: High blood pressure.
Agoraphobia: Anxiety disorder.
Episode 5
Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Eleanor Halt presented with fainting and shifting lung infiltrates. Diagnosis and Progression: History of asthma and migratory infiltrates pointed to Churg-Strauss syndrome (vasculitis). Treatment: Emergency pericardial aspiration for tamponade, followed by steroids.
Von Willebrand Disease
Alex Miller suffered a subdural hematoma from a minor toy gun impact. Diagnosis and Progression: Underlying Von Willebrand disease caused severe bleeding from minor trauma. Treatment: Surgical evacuation of the hematoma.
Anxiety Disorder (Misdiagnosed ADHD)
Ryan Miller exhibited aggression. Diagnosis and Progression: "ADHD" symptoms were actually anxiety exacerbated by stimulants. Treatment: Discontinuation of Adderall.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Ruptured Liver: Grade four laceration.
Seizure: Neurological event.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Mini-stroke.
Ventricular Tachycardia: Arrhythmia.
Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid compressing heart.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: Pressure emergency.
Episode 6
Late-Onset Tay-Sachs Disease
Siobhan Murphy presented with a fracture and history of "clumsiness." Diagnosis and Progression: Cerebellar atrophy on CT confirmed late-onset Tay-Sachs. Treatment: Supportive care.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Gordon’s pneumonia progressed to severe hypoxia. Diagnosis and Progression: ARDS with oxygen saturation dropping to 64%. Treatment: ARDS net protocol with paralysis and recruitment maneuver.
MRSA and Sepsis
Terri presented with an infected arm wound. Diagnosis and Progression: MRSA infection spread to the bloodstream. Treatment: Oral Linezolid due to refusal of IV antibiotics.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Edema: Swelling.
Hypercoagulability: Clotting risk.
Dehydration: Fluid loss.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Liver brain toxicity.
Fractured Ulna: Arm break.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Cardiac arrest.
Hypothermia: Low body temperature.
Anoxic Brain Injury: Oxygen deprivation.
Episode 7
Incarcerated Hernia
Marcus Clemens had a car accident revealing an abdominal bulge. Diagnosis and Progression: Incarcerated bowel hernia with risk of strangulation. Treatment: Manual reduction using a "corkscrew" motion (resulting in injury to Dr. Choi).
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Compound Tibial Fracture: Bone piercing skin.
Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack.
Food Poisoning: GI distress.
Pulmonary Contusion: Lung bruise.
Preeclampsia: Pregnancy complication.
Paranoid Delusions: Psychiatric crisis.
Stimulant Misuse: Drug abuse.
Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar.
Episode 8
Multiple Herniated Lumbar Discs
Dr. Ethan Choi suffered back pain following the manual reduction procedure. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI confirmed multiple herniated discs. Treatment: Multilevel spinal fusion and rehabilitation.
Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia
Sharon Goodwin experienced unstable glucose levels. Diagnosis and Progression: High cortisol levels linked to chronic administrative stress. Treatment: Stress management protocols.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Open Tibia Fracture: Trauma injury.
Heart Attack: Cardiac event.
Food Poisoning: Stomach illness.
Preeclampsia: Obstetric risk.
Panic Attack: Anxiety episode.
Episode 9
OTC Deficiency
Lily, an infant, presented with vomiting and listlessness. Diagnosis and Progression: Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, causing toxic ammonia buildup. Treatment: Hemodialysis and eventual liver transplant.
Typhus
Eve Bennett presented with fever, jaundice, and an insect bite. Diagnosis and Progression: Typhus contracted from fleas in a storage locker. Treatment: Doxycycline.
Drug-Supplement Interaction
Kyle Liddell’s schizophrenia destabilized. Diagnosis and Progression: St. John’s Wort tea increased the metabolism of his Risperidone, rendering it ineffective. Treatment: Discontinuation of the supplement and medication adjustment.
End-Stage Liver Failure
Reuben Carmona developed brain edema while awaiting a transplant. Diagnosis and Progression: Intracranial pressure threatened herniation. Treatment: ICP management and emergency liver transplant.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pyloric Stenosis: Stomach narrowing.
Viral Gastritis: Stomach flu.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Mineral issue.
Minor Hematoma: Bruise/bleed.
Schizophrenia: Mental disorder.
Brain Edema: Swelling.
Sepsis: Infection response.
Stroke: Brain blood blockage.
Episode 10
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
Lawrence Givens presented with ESRD. Diagnosis and Progression: ADPKD diagnosed, with genetic implications for his son. Treatment: Direct organ donation from a deceased donor.
Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Anel Sanon experienced confusion and falls. Diagnosis and Progression: Hippocampal atrophy confirmed early-onset Alzheimer's. Treatment: Donepezil; family withheld diagnosis.
Diuretic-Induced Dehydration
Claudia Rey, 13, fainted. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe dehydration from abusing her mother's Furosemide for weight loss. Treatment: IV saline and education.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Influenza: Viral flu.
Dislocated Shoulder: Joint injury.
Distal Radius Fracture: Wrist break.
Femur Fracture: Thigh break.
Internal Hemorrhaging: Bleeding.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Brain bleed.
Episode 11
Synovial Sarcoma
Darius, 10, had an arm fracture. Diagnosis and Progression: A mass discovered during surgery was confirmed as synovial sarcoma. Treatment: Surgical excision and oncology referral.
Silicone Embolism
Nadia and Alexandra collapsed after illegal cosmetic injections. Diagnosis and Progression: Silicone embolus in the heart/lungs causing septic shock. Treatment: Catheter extraction in a mobile stroke unit.
Fulminant Liver Failure
Wes Tucker, an alcoholic athlete, required a liver. Diagnosis and Progression: Acute failure requiring transplant; donor suffered iatrogenic bradycardia. Treatment: Split liver transplant from living donor.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Two-Bone Fracture: Forearm break.
Wrist Sprain: Ligament injury.
Panic Attacks: Anxiety episodes.
Cirrhosis: Liver scarring.
Alcohol Abuse Disorder: Addiction.
Episode 12
Inoperable Brain Tumor
Patrick Choi presented with facial droop and weight loss. Diagnosis and Progression: Rapidly progressing tumor with metastases to spine and lungs. Treatment: Palliative care.
Acute Opioid Toxicity (Carfentanil)
The surgical team collapsed in the OR. Diagnosis and Progression: Carfentanil poisoning from contaminated masks. Treatment: Narcan resuscitation.
Placental Abruption
Lisa Backman collapsed; refused "vaccinated" blood products. Diagnosis and Progression: Abruption led to fatal postpartum hemorrhage. Treatment: C-section; patient died due to refusal of transfusion.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Anemia: Low blood count.
Diabetes Mellitus: With neuropathy.
Secondary Bacterial Infection: High WBC.
Pneumonia: Lung infection.
Intraparenchymal Bleeds: Brain bleeds.
Episode 13
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)
Pete had seizures without loss of consciousness. Diagnosis and Progression: A saline "nocebo" confirmed the seizures were psychogenic. Treatment: Neuropsychiatry referral.
Syphilis and Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction
Emily Torres treated for burns; diagnosed with syphilis. Diagnosis and Progression: Penicillin treatment triggered a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, inducing labor. Treatment: Healthy delivery.
Medical Fraud (Faked Alzheimer’s)
Lorraine Hendrix was "diagnosed" with Alzheimer's. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI proved she was healthy; stepdaughter faked scans for fraud. Treatment: Legal intervention.
HCG-Producing Tumor
Maggie tested pregnant but had no fetus. Diagnosis and Progression: Tumor producing HCG mimicked pregnancy. Treatment: Surgical removal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Synovial Sarcoma: Soft tissue cancer.
Carfentanil Poisoning: Opioid toxicity.
Thigh Laceration: Leg cut.
Superficial Burns: Skin injury.
Multiple Sclerosis: Neurological condition.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Non-viable pregnancy.
Episode 14
Fibro-COVID
Gia Lindahl reported generalized pain post-COVID. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with Fibro-COVID; developed cardiac tamponade. Treatment: Emergent pericardiocentesis.
Compartment Syndrome and Dyslexia
Terrell had a swollen arm and reading difficulty. Diagnosis and Progression: Compartment syndrome treated surgically; dyslexia diagnosed. Treatment: Fasciotomy and neurological support.
Myxedema Crisis
Ellis Turner (iron lung patient) lost consciousness. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe thyroid deficiency. Treatment: Levothyroxine.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Malignant Tumors: Cancer.
Pneumonia: Lung inflammation.
Cataplexy/Narcolepsy: Sleep disorders.
Polio: Viral paralysis.
Bipolar Disorder: Mood condition.
Blunt Cardiac Injury: Heart trauma.
Hepatic Artery Thrombosis: Liver clot.
Episode 15
Delusional Parasitosis
Abby Carpenter believed she had mites. Diagnosis and Progression: Delusional parasitosis. Treatment: "Benevolent deception" with antipsychotics.
Diverticulitis and Septic Shock
Gretchen Cameron delayed surgery for her wedding. Diagnosis and Progression: Intestinal leak led to sepsis. Treatment: Emergency laparotomy and ostomy.
Familial Hypercholesteremia
Andre required heart/liver transplant. Diagnosis and Progression: Strictured anastomosis caused venous back pressure. Treatment: Surgical repair.
Traumatic Pneumothorax
Milena Jovanovic had a motorcycle crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Collapsed lung. Treatment: Chest tube.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Loss of Consciousness: Trauma sign.
Skin Infection: Self-inflicted.
Sepsis: Infection response.
Bowel Dilation: Intestinal stretching.
Striatal Lesions: Brain abnormalities.
Early-onset Atherosclerosis: Artery hardening.
Intrahepatic Cava Clots: Liver vein clots.
Episode 16
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Kayla Miller, newborn, presented with distended abdomen. Diagnosis and Progression: NEC requiring removal of small intestine. Treatment: Intestinal transplant.
Conversion Disorder
Kiran Patel lost leg function due to stress. Diagnosis and Progression: Physical symptoms stemming from mental conflict. Treatment: Resolution of emotional stress.
Aspergilloma
Rudy Hernandez coughed blood post-COVID. Diagnosis and Progression: Fungus ball living in a lung cavity. Treatment: Antibiotic infusion.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Multiple Sclerosis: Ruled out.
Guillain-Barré: Ruled out.
Hemothorax: Blood in chest.
Brain Death: Irreversible loss.
Placental Abruption: Obstetric emergency.
Gunshot Wound: Trauma.
Addiction: Substance use.
Episode 17
Mallory-Weiss Tear
Ivy Clark had hematemesis. Diagnosis and Progression: Tear caused by vomiting; tumor shrank due to boyfriend dosing her with chemo. Treatment: Endoscopy.
Uterine Hemorrhage
Claire Stone bled from a transplanted uterus. Diagnosis and Progression: Endometrial thickening. Treatment: Living-donor uterus transplant.
Cardiac Tamponade (GSW)
Stefan had a GSW to the chest. Diagnosis and Progression: Bullet grazed heart causing tamponade. Treatment: Blind pericardial drainage.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Addiction: Substance use.
Retained Hemothorax: Persistent bleed.
Dislocated Shoulder: Joint injury.
Seizure: Neurological event.
Asherman’s Syndrome: Uterine scarring.
V-fib: Cardiac arrest.
Episode 18
Degenerating Submucosal Fibroids
Tara Goodwin, pregnant, had bleeding. Diagnosis and Progression: Necrotic fibroid and parasitic fibroid. Treatment: Myomectomy.
Right Hemopneumothorax (Self-Inflicted)
Gavin Wells had a GSW to the chest. Diagnosis and Progression: Toe hematoma confirmed suicide attempt. Treatment: Chest tube and resuscitation.
Liver Laceration
Lia had internal bleeding after being struck by a car. Diagnosis and Progression: Liver laceration. Treatment: Angiography and embolization.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Spinal Fusion Status: Post-op.
Hypoxic Brain Injury: Oxygen deprivation.
Intraoperative Arterial Perforation: Surgical error.
Metatarsal Fracture: Foot break.
Episode 19
Pheochromocytoma
Gerald Simmons had hypertension and V-fib. Diagnosis and Progression: Adrenal tumor causing hormone flood. Treatment: Surgical removal.
Alcohol Poisoning (Tampon)
Zoe had rising BAC in hospital. Diagnosis and Progression: Alcohol absorption via tampon. Treatment: Fluids and referral.
Fetal Anemia
Ingrid's fetus had distension; SMA suspected. Diagnosis and Progression: Anemia treated with transfusion; SMA was a false positive. Treatment: C-section.
Multi-System Organ Failure
Luis Peña on hunger strike. Diagnosis and Progression: Organ failure; self-immolation led to death. Treatment: Failed resuscitation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Fetal Abdominal Distention: Swelling.
SMA Type 1: Genetic disease.
Hypertension: High BP.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Cardiac arrest.
Sinus Tachycardia: Fast heart rate.
Clinical Depression: Mood disorder.
Asystole: Flatline.
Episode 20
Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)
Eva stopped breathing post-op. Diagnosis and Progression: Genetic failure to breathe during sleep. Treatment: CPAP.
Multiple Sclerosis
Miles Henderson had vision loss. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI confirmed MS. Treatment: Diagnosis disclosure.
Grade 1 Glioma
Dorian Harwell had exhaustion and headaches. Diagnosis and Progression: Brain tumor. Treatment: Good prognosis.
Shoulder Dystocia
Morgan's baby got stuck during birth. Diagnosis and Progression: Turtle sign. Treatment: McRoberts maneuver.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Nasal Foreign Body: Object in nose.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Liver attack.
Fulminant Liver Failure: Rapid decline.
Type 2 Diabetes: Metabolic issue.
Hypertension: High BP.
Appendicitis: Inflammation.
Heart Dysrhythmia: Irregular beat.
Episode 21
Bulbar ALS
Lydia Reed had emotional outbursts. Diagnosis and Progression: Pseudobulbar affect and Bulbar ALS. Treatment: Therapy.
Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP)
Kat had liver failure. Diagnosis and Progression: AFLP caused rupture. Treatment: C-section and liver transplant.
Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Sam Devers had a GSW and an old bullet. Diagnosis and Progression: Old bullet caused pseudoaneurysm rupture. Treatment: Thoracotomy.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Dr. Blake had hand tremors. Diagnosis and Progression: Spinal compression. Treatment: Surgery scheduled.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hemothorax: Blood in chest.
Lyme Disease: Ruled out.
Fibromyalgia: Pain disorder.
Multiple Sclerosis: Ruled out.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Ruled out.
Malingering: Ruled out.
Pre-eclampsia: Pregnancy issue.
DIC: Clotting disorder.
Liver Rupture: Organ tear.
Pseudobulbar Affect: Emotional lability.
Episode 22
End-Stage Liver Disease
Donna Woods had ascites and shock. Diagnosis and Progression: Perforated ulcer in end-stage liver disease. Treatment: Terminal; surgery failed.
Cerebellar Stroke
Dr. Pamela Dutton had a vertebral artery bleed during surgery. Diagnosis and Progression: Artery sacrificed; caused stroke. Treatment: Post-op recovery with deficits.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Owen needed a kidney; high antibodies. Diagnosis and Progression: Girlfriend was a match despite breakup. Treatment: Transplant.
Meniscus Tear
Zach had knee pain. Diagnosis and Progression: MRI showed tear. Treatment: Rest; no surgery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Spinal Fusion: Surgical repair.
Eosinophilia: High eosinophils.
UTI: Urinary infection.
Alcoholism: Addiction.
Tachycardia/Hypotension: Shock signs.
Braxton Hicks: False labor.
Myomectomy: Fibroid removal.
Gunshot Wound: Trauma.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Genetic Anomalies: Season 7 places a heavy emphasis on rare genetic conditions, including OTC Deficiency, Late-Onset Tay-Sachs, and Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), highlighting the critical role of family history and genetic sequencing in modern diagnosis.
🗝️ The Toll of Trauma: The season explores the physical and psychological aftermath of trauma, from self-inflicted gunshot wounds disguised as assaults to the PTSD and depression affecting humanitarian workers, showing that the wound is often just the beginning of the story.
🗝️ Diagnostic "Zebras": The medical team repeatedly uncovers rare "zebra" diagnoses disguised as common ailments, such as Churg-Strauss Syndrome appearing as asthma, or a HCG-producing tumor mimicking a pregnancy.
🗝️ Ethics of Transplant: Several arcs delve into the complexities of organ donation, including the ethical grey areas of living donors, the "bad batch" of implants causing systemic crisis, and the heartbreaking decisions surrounding transplant eligibility for addicts.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 7
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 7
