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Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 8

  • Jan 30
  • 12 min read
The promotional image for Chicago Med features the main cast in various medical and professional uniforms. They pose confidently against a neutral, metallic background with soft lighting, looking directly at the camera.
Image credit: E! News. Fair use.

Season 8 of Chicago Med introduces a new era of high-tech medicine with the implementation of the O.R. 2.0 platform, while simultaneously battling the gritty reality of post-pandemic supply chain shortages. The medical team at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center faces a diverse array of challenges, ranging from rare genetic anomalies and psychiatric puzzles to the ethical complexities of AI-assisted surgery.


Below is a detailed review of the primary medical cases and additional diagnoses presented throughout the season.



Episode 1


Schizoaffective Disorder


David Sullivan, a high-achieving student, presented with paranoia after using fentanyl-laced marijuana. Diagnosis and Progression: Even after the drugs were flushed from his system, persecutory delusions persisted. A psychiatric evaluation revealed he heard voices commanding him not to trust staff. Dr. Charles diagnosed him with schizoaffective disorder. Treatment: Outpatient psychiatry was recommended, though the diagnosis faced resistance from his parents.


Talc Granulomatosis


Dr. Hannah Asher developed severe dyspnea following a structure fire. Diagnosis and Progression: A CT scan showed interstitial lung disease. A biopsy revealed talc crystals embedded in granulomas, a consequence of past heroin use. The smoke triggered acute inflammation. Treatment: Treated with steroids and a pulmonology consultation; she was successfully extubated.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Neurological Vascular Injury: Motor function loss after vessel ligation.

  • Gunshot Wound (GSW): Abdominal puncture causing hemorrhage.

  • Inhalation Injury: Respiratory damage from smoke.

  • Carbon Monoxide Toxicity: Treated with supplemental oxygen.

  • Coagulopathy: Impaired blood clotting.

  • Hepatic Failure: Liver injury requiring transplant.

  • Fentanyl Toxicity: Overdose treated with Narcan.

  • Metabolic Acidosis: Acid buildup from blood loss.

  • Schizophrenia: Considered for disordered thinking.



Episode 2


Mediastinal Tumor with Autoimmune Psychosis


Jenny Mitchell exhibited extreme paranoia after a car crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Dr. Asher identified a widened mediastinum on X-ray. A mediastinal tumor had triggered an autoimmune response manifesting as psychosis. Treatment: Surgical removal of the tumor resolved the psychiatric symptoms.


Traumatic Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula


Julián Sanchez suffered a vapor lock during a CO2 angiogram for a leg wound. Diagnosis and Progression: A bullet fused the femoral artery and vein, creating a fistula that allowed gas to travel to the heart. Treatment: Emergency surgery to repair the vessels.


ALS with Mucus Plugging


Albert, an ALS patient, presented with low oxygen due to a weak cough. Diagnosis and Progression: Mucus plugging caused by the inability to clear airways. Treatment: Bronchoscopy was performed to clear the plug despite a DNI order.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Nondisplaced Distal Radius Fracture: Forearm break treated with a cast.

  • Pneumonia: Ruled out by clear X-ray.

  • Periorbital Foreign Body: Object lodged near the eye.

  • Astrocytoma: Brain tumor considered for psychiatric symptoms.

  • Leaking Aneurysm: Bleeding vessel causing instability.

  • Vapor Lock: Gas bubble occluding venous return.



Episode 3


Lumbar Burst Fractures and ITP


Marcus Walker suffered spinal fractures but had a dangerously low platelet count. Diagnosis and Progression: Diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and renal disease. Treatment: Steroids were administered to raise platelets for surgery.


Systemic MRSA and Vancomycin Desensitization


Indrani Arya had a systemic MRSA infection from an ingrown toenail and a severe Vancomycin allergy. Diagnosis and Progression: Supply shortages of alternatives forced the use of Vancomycin despite the allergy. Treatment: A desensitization protocol with steroids and antihistamines allowed for successful treatment.


Hypovolemia and Opioid Withdrawal


Liza Martin, pregnant, was found unconscious. Diagnosis and Progression: Hypovolemia caused by acute withdrawal after quitting drugs "cold turkey." Treatment: IV fluids and referral to medically supervised recovery.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Schizophrenia: Characterized by loss of reality.

  • End-stage Renal Disease: Chronic kidney failure.

  • Hematoma: Blood collection mimicking an abscess.

  • Ingrown Toenail: Source of systemic infection.

  • Anaphylaxis: Allergic airway closure.

  • Sepsis: Systemic infection response.

  • Aortic Dissection: Tear in the aorta requiring open-heart surgery.



Episode 4


Retrocecal Appendicitis


Candace, pregnant, presented with back pain. Diagnosis and Progression: CT revealed retrocecal appendicitis; the appendix was angled medially, causing atypical pain. Treatment: Laparoscopic appendectomy and antibiotics.


Hemopneumothorax and Flailed Chest


Nathaniel Perry was trapped in a train collapse. Diagnosis and Progression: Broken ribs caused a flailed chest and collapsed lung. Treatment: A DIY water-seal drainage system was used to evacuate air and blood in the field.


Panic Disorder


Dr. Otis Greenwell feared he had Sporadic Fatal Insomnia. Diagnosis and Progression: PET scan ruled out the fatal disease; symptoms were panic attacks from professional stress. Treatment: Therapy.


Multi-Resistant Fungal Infection


Rose Fremont had a drug-resistant UTI. Diagnosis and Progression: Fungal infection sensitive only to unavailable medication. Treatment: Doctors sourced gray-market voriconazole to save her.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Stroke: Disruption of brain blood flow.

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune insulin deficiency.

  • Hypertension: High blood pressure.

  • Kidney Stone: Suspected for flank pain.

  • Hydronephrosis: Kidney swelling.

  • Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection.

  • Heart Attack: Suspected for chest pain.

  • Hemorrhagic Shock: Critical blood loss.

  • Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung.

  • Septic Shock: Infection causing low blood pressure.

  • Familial Fatal Insomnia: Rare genetic disorder.



Episode 5


Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-A)


Brock Huntley had persistent fever and organ inflammation. Diagnosis and Progression: COVID-19 antibodies confirmed MIS-A, a rare post-viral condition. Treatment: High-dose steroids.


Hydrofluoric Acid Inhalation


Nathaniel inhaled toxic gas in a subway tunnel. Diagnosis and Progression: Lungs were destroyed by acid from lithium-ion batteries. Treatment: Emergency lung transplant using a DIY perfusion machine.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Bipolar Disorder: Mood swings requiring stabilization.

  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): Brain condition from head injuries.

  • Psychosis: Drug-induced reality loss.

  • Urinary Tract Infection: Common bacterial infection.

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Intestinal infection.

  • Respiratory Distress: Low oxygen saturation.

  • Dissociative State: Identity confusion.

  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Mini-stroke.

  • Acute Drug Intoxication: Cocaine laced with PCP.

  • Hemopneumothorax: Blood and air in chest.

  • Depression: Persistent sadness.

  • Lateral Rib Fractures: Painful bone breaks.

  • Dislocated Temporomandibular Joint: Jaw dislocation.

  • Lymphoma: Immune system cancer.

  • Kawasaki Disease: Vessel inflammation.

  • PTSD: Anxiety from trauma.

  • Dehydration: Fluid loss.



Episode 6


Hypovitaminosis C (Scurvy)


Samir Baqri presented with lethargy and reopening scars. Diagnosis and Progression: Scurvy caused by a diet lacking Vitamin C. Treatment: Vitamin C infusion.


Bell’s Palsy


Penelope feared harming her baby due to noise sensitivity. Diagnosis and Progression: Bell’s palsy caused facial paralysis and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound). Treatment: Steroids and counseling.


Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy


Caitlin had a ruptured fallopian tube. Diagnosis and Progression: Ectopic pregnancy requiring surgery during a fiber optic cable shortage. Treatment: "Old school" surgery without video monitors.


Brachial Artery Pseudoaneurysm


Maria Piscotta suffered a crush injury to the arm. Diagnosis and Progression: Pseudoaneurysm repaired surgically, followed by vasospasm. Treatment: Vascular repair and management of vasospasm.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Dislocated Shoulder: Manual relocation.

  • Lung Transplant: Life-saving procedure.

  • Twisted Ankle: Minor injury.

  • Dehydration/Anemia: Nutrient deficiencies.

  • Postpartum Depression: Differential diagnosis.

  • Crush Injury: Tissue trauma.

  • Tinnitus: Ringing in ears.

  • Lupus: Autoimmune disease ruled out.

  • Stroke: Ruled out for facial paralysis.

  • Cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation.

  • Thrombosis: Clot complication.

  • Vasospasm: Vessel constriction.

  • Rib Fractures: Painful recovery.



Episode 7


Tacrolimus-Induced Psychosis


Renee Chapman developed psychosis after a kidney transplant. Diagnosis and Progression: Reaction to the immunosuppressant tacrolimus; antipsychotics caused catatonia. Treatment: Removal of the healthy kidney to stop the medication.


Percutaneous Carfentanil Overdose


Maya Safro went into respiratory arrest after a C-section. Diagnosis and Progression: Absorption of carfentanil through the skin from a contaminated car seat. Treatment: Narcan.


Tension Pneumothorax


Sean Archer had a clotted chest tube after a neck stabbing. Diagnosis and Progression: Retained hemopneumothorax led to tension pneumothorax and arrest. Treatment: Emergency thoracotomy and internal defibrillation.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Post-Lung Transplant Recovery: Monitoring period.

  • Breech Presentation: Fetus feet-first.

  • Penetrating Neck Trauma: Stab wound.

  • Pediatric Trauma: Fall injury.

  • Blunt Force Trauma: Impact injury.

  • Hemopneumothorax: Blood/air in chest.

  • Drug-Induced Catatonia: Waxy rigidity.

  • Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Ruled out.

  • Rib Fractures: Blunt trauma result.



Episode 8


Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)


Lydia Shaw, 15, presented with liver failure. Diagnosis and Progression: Rare autoimmune disease destroying bile ducts. Treatment: Trans-organ paired exchange transplant.


Advanced Stage Prostate Cancer


Buddy Foster presented with an infection. Diagnosis and Progression: Metastatic prostate cancer discovered via high PSA. Treatment: Hospice care.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Alcohol Intoxication: Vomiting/disorientation.

  • Hepatic Encephalopathy: Brain toxicity from liver failure.

  • Renal Artery Stenosis: Vessel narrowing.

  • Liver Fibrosis: Scar tissue.

  • Postprocedural Abscess: Infection at puncture site.

  • Sexual Assault (GHB): Drug-facilitated crime.

  • Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular rhythm.

  • Pseudo-aneurysm: Vessel injury.



Episode 9


Autoimmune Encephalitis


Paul Michaels showed Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: Spinal fluid protein indicated inflammation attacking the brain. Treatment: High-dose steroids.


Myocardial Bridging


Afonso had chest pain with normal labs. Diagnosis and Progression: Coronary artery running through heart muscle, compressing under stress. Treatment: Surgical unroofing.


Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer


Richard Evans had a tumor invading the duodenum. Diagnosis and Progression: Deemed inoperable by tumor board. Treatment: Successful experimental resection using OR 2.0 AI guidance.


Ruptured Tibial Pseudoaneurysm


Grant suffered a spontaneous leg hemorrhage. Diagnosis and Progression: Rupture of a pseudoaneurysm from a prior accident. Treatment: Surgical control of bleeding.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Head Laceration: Retained glass.

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: Differential diagnosis.

  • Depression: Mood disorder.

  • Hernia: Tissue protrusion.

  • Renal Artery Stenosis: Kidney vessel narrowing.

  • Interstitial Nephritis: Kidney inflammation.

  • Papillary Necrosis: NSAID-induced damage.



Episode 10


Brugada Syndrome


Sophia Eastman lost consciousness while swimming. Diagnosis and Progression: Rare genetic disorder causing arrhythmias. Treatment: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).


Esophageal Strictures


Roy Tooley could not swallow due to Crohn’s disease scarring. Diagnosis and Progression: "Hostile abdomen" made surgery risky. Treatment: Esophageal reconstruction using OR 2.0 digital twin simulation.


Stage 4 Lymphoma


Martha Kittle suffered a hip fracture. Diagnosis and Progression: Pathologic fracture from metastatic cancer. Treatment: Palliative care; investigated for drugging her grandson.


Placenta Abruption


Tiffany was found in labor in the woods. Diagnosis and Progression: Hard abdomen indicated abruption. Treatment: Field delivery.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developmental condition.

  • Renal Disease: Kidney impairment.

  • Splenic Laceration: Spleen tear.

  • Opioid Overdose: Narcotic toxicity.

  • Hypothermia: Low body temperature.



Episode 11


Pancoast Tumor


Jodie Dunner had back pain and seizures. Diagnosis and Progression: AI flagged her as a pill-seeker, but a Pancoast tumor in the lung was the cause. Treatment: Surgical resection.


Pituitary Microadenoma


Omar Thomas had a memory loop and "eye lock." Diagnosis and Progression: Hemorrhage within a pituitary tumor compressed cranial nerves. Treatment: Neurosurgery.


Pancreatic Erosion


Aaron Curtis had a retained bullet eroding the pancreatic duct. Diagnosis and Progression: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Treatment: Pancreatic stent via OR 2.0 to stop bleeding while leaving evidence (bullet) in place.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Traumatic Neck Laceration: Stab wound.

  • Tibiotalar Dislocations: Ankle displacement.

  • Endometriosis: Differential diagnosis.

  • Concussion: Head injury.

  • Gunshot Wound: Retained projectile.

  • Opioid Use Disorder: Addiction screening.

  • Seizure: Neurological event.

  • B1 Deficiency: Malnutrition.

  • Metastasis: Cancer spread.

  • Postictal Confusion: Post-seizure state.



Episode 12


Thiamine Metabolism Dysfunction


Jason Rouse presented with seizures mirroring his deceased brother. Diagnosis and Progression: AI neural network identified a rare genetic thiamine disorder. Treatment: High-dose thiamine.


Uterine Atony


Laurel Wilson hemorrhaged postpartum. Diagnosis and Progression: Uterus failed to contract; medication failed. Treatment: Total hysterectomy.


Tension Pneumothorax


Paola Rivera developed respiratory distress at a crash scene. Diagnosis and Progression: Air trapped in chest cavity. Treatment: Field needle decompression.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Pulmonary Edema: Lung fluid.

  • Comminuted Pelvic Fracture: Shattered bone.

  • Alcohol/Benzodiazepine Interaction: Dangerous mix.

  • Anxiety Disorder: Panic symptoms.

  • Epileptic Encephalopathy: Seizure disorder.

  • Aortic Injury: Pseudoaneurysm.

  • Depression: Mood disorder.



Episode 13


Open-Book Pelvic Fracture


Nina Simonds fell from a window. Diagnosis and Progression: Shattered pelvis and arterial leak. Treatment: IR embolization to avoid releasing pelvic binder pressure.


Severe Preeclampsia


Katie, pregnant, had hypertension and low platelets. Diagnosis and Progression: Rapid deterioration requiring delivery. Treatment: Induced labor.


Penetrating Liver Trauma


Felix was stabbed by a fellow patient. Diagnosis and Progression: Knife fragment lodged deep in the liver. Treatment: OR 2.0 guided removal (junior resident operated due to fatigue lockout).


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Fume inhalation.

  • Frostnip: Cold injury.

  • Bipolar II Disorder: Mood cycles.

  • Orbital Fracture: Eye socket break.

  • Braxton-Hicks: False labor.

  • Polysubstance Relapse: Drug abuse.

  • Open Pneumothorax: Lung hole.

  • Ankle Fracture: Bone break.

  • Paranoid Schizophrenia: Volatile psychiatric condition.

  • Blunt Head Trauma: Impact injury.

  • Cardiac Bypass: Surgical rerouting.



Episode 14


Multiple Myeloma


Isaac Collins had a spinal fracture before a transplant. Diagnosis and Progression: Lytic lesion indicated pathological fracture; confirmed multiple myeloma. Treatment: Transplant postponed for cancer treatment.


Traumatic Hand Amputation (Ectopic Banking)


Rob severed his hand in a construction accident. Diagnosis and Progression: Stump required debridement before reattachment. Treatment: Hand surgically "banked" on his leg to maintain blood flow via OR 2.0.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Opioid Use Disorder: Addiction history.

  • Premature Rupture of Membranes: Water breaking early.

  • End-Stage Renal Disease: Kidney failure.

  • Hypertension: High blood pressure.

  • Fetal Distress: Heart rate drop.

  • Pathological Fracture: Bone weakened by disease.

  • Inadequate Arterial Perfusion: Poor blood flow.



Episode 15


Trichophagia (Bezoar)


Deanna Brooks had a stomach mass. Diagnosis and Progression: Giant hairball from compulsive hair eating (trichophagia). Treatment: Surgical removal and psychiatry.


Schizoaffective Disorder (Cotard's Delusion)


David Sullivan believed he was dead. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe delusion resisting medication. Treatment: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).


Three-Vessel Spasm


Abby Hawkins had a crushed leg with no pulse. Diagnosis and Progression: Spasm mimicking permanent damage. Treatment: Leg saved through reconstruction.


Bedbug Infestation


Walter Crotty had a rash and fever. Diagnosis and Progression: Bedbug bites mimicking plague or infection. Treatment: Hydrocortisone and antibiotics.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Substance Use Disorder: Narcotic dependency.

  • Alcohol Use Disorder: Chronic drinking.

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin dependency.

  • Tularemia: Bacterial infection.

  • Lymphadenitis: Swollen nodes.

  • Tuberculosis: Bacterial disease.

  • Bubonic Plague: Ruled out.

  • Breast Cancer: Malignancy.

  • Schizophrenia: Mental disorder.

  • Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar.



Episode 16


Intermittent Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)


Maria presented with grogginess and seizures. Diagnosis and Progression: Metabolic disorder identified by sweet-smelling urine. Treatment: Protein monitoring.


Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)


Quentin Bell had a psychotic break and neck lumps. Diagnosis and Progression: NF2 exacerbated by diet causing psychosis. Treatment: Antipsychotics and surgical repair of carotid artery.


Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia


Dr. Kai Tanaka-Reed collapsed with heart symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: Colon migrated to chest compressing vagus nerve. Treatment: Robotic surgery.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Renal Disease: Kidney decline.

  • Infectious Encephalitis: Brain inflammation.

  • Occiput Posterior Position: Difficult birth presentation.

  • Appendicitis: Appendix inflammation.

  • Pelvic Adhesions: Scar tissue.

  • Conversion Disorder: Psychological symptoms.

  • Cerebral Edema: Brain swelling.

  • Hiatal Hernia: Stomach protrusion.



Episode 17


Ankylosing Spondylitis


Kuan-yu had a fused spine. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe deformity requiring reconstruction. Treatment: Osteotomies using OR 2.0 to align spine.


Moyamoya Disease


Cara Wallace had hypertension and aphasia. Diagnosis and Progression: Blocked brain arteries with fragile collateral vessels ("puff of smoke"). Treatment: Neurosurgery.


End-Stage Renal Disease


Dr. Dean Archer started peritoneal dialysis. Diagnosis and Progression: Kidney failure managed at home. Treatment: Dialysis catheter placement.


Posterior Hip Dislocation


Vincent Jones had a car crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Hip dislocation and pelvic hematoma. Treatment: Embolization and reduction.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Stomach bug.

  • Geriatric Pregnancy: Pregnancy over 35.

  • Postpartum Preeclampsia: High BP after birth.

  • Spinal Cord Compression: Nerve pressure.

  • Aphasia: Speech loss.

  • Stroke: Brain blood interruption.

  • Tension Pneumothorax: Lung collapse.

  • Cancer: Abnormal cell growth.



Episode 18


Peripartum Cardiomyopathy


Sarah presented with swollen ankles and dizziness. Diagnosis and Progression: Heart failure mimicking pregnancy symptoms. Treatment: C-section; patient died due to cardiac damage.


Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)


Kurt Leger wanted to be paralyzed. Diagnosis and Progression: Refused surgery for a spinal fracture due to BIID. Treatment: Discharged against medical advice.


Migraine (Investigated for GCA)


Alicia Palmer had a persistent headache. Diagnosis and Progression: Giant Cell Arteritis ruled out by biopsy. Treatment: Triptans for migraine.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Schizophrenia: Mental disorder.

  • Complex PTSD: Psychological distress.

  • Allergic Reaction: Cefazolin sensitivity.

  • Breech Presentation: Fetus position.

  • Aortic Stenosis: Valve narrowing.



Episode 19


Abdominal Pregnancy


Kira Ray had a fetus attached to the vena cava. Diagnosis and Progression: Ectopic pregnancy intended to create a stem cell donor. Treatment: Emergency surgery; fetus lost.


Acoustic Neuroma


Vernon had balance issues and seizures. Diagnosis and Progression: Tumor compressing brain stem. Treatment: OR 2.0 guided craniectomy.


Early-Onset Schizophrenia


Aiden, deaf, began hearing voices. Diagnosis and Progression: Hallucinations masked as returned hearing. Treatment: Antipsychotics (initially given deceptively by sister).


Myelodysplastic Neoplasm


Kimberly Ray required a stem cell match. Diagnosis and Progression: Pre-leukemia condition. Treatment: Steroids.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • End-stage renal disease: Kidney failure.

  • Meningitis: Cause of deafness.

  • Dehydration: Fluid loss.

  • Pneumonia: Lung infection.

  • Seizures: Electrical disturbance.

  • Gunshot Wounds: Trauma.

  • Depression: Mood disorder.



Episode 20


Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer and Stroke


Richard Evans returned with liver lesions. Diagnosis and Progression: Successful ablation followed by post-surgical stroke. Treatment: Life support withdrawn.


Perforated Ulcer and Tapeworm


Tim had abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis and Progression: H. pylori ulcer and a 6-foot tapeworm. Treatment: Surgery and antiparasitics.


Cryptic Pregnancy


Pam went into labor unaware she was pregnant. Diagnosis and Progression: PCOS masked symptoms. Treatment: Delivery.


Suspected Hereditary Pancreatic Cancer


Jacqueline Warner refused tests despite jaundice. Diagnosis and Progression: Likely terminal cancer; refused care due to medical trauma. Treatment: Discharged.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Kidney Failure: Donor evaluation.

  • Deep Palm Laceration: Cut requiring sutures.

  • Medical Trauma: Distrust of care.

  • Ankle Sprain: Joint injury.

  • Gout: Inflammatory arthritis.

  • PCOS: Hormonal disorder.



Episode 21


Cervical Insufficiency


Michelle Abrams had pelvic pressure. Diagnosis and Progression: Pregnant with protruding membranes. Treatment: Emergency cerclage.


OR 2.0 Malfunction (Phantom Lesion)


Richard Evans died from a stroke after surgery. Diagnosis and Progression: AI created a "phantom lesion," leading the surgeon to injure a vessel. Treatment: Investigation revealed data deletion to cover up the error.


Schizophrenia


David Sullivan heard voices again. Diagnosis and Progression: "Voices" were internalized anxiety, not hallucinations. Treatment: Role-playing therapy.


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Kidney Failure: Renal decline.

  • Addiction: Dependency.

  • Urinary Tract Infection: Bladder infection.

  • Metastasized Pancreatic Cancer: Advanced cancer.

  • Stroke: Brain clot.

  • Ventricular Septal Defect: Heart hole.

  • Liver Clot: Thrombus.

  • Foot Wound Infection: Diabetic complication.

  • Ventral Hernia: Abdominal protrusion.

  • Lupus: Autoimmune disease.



Episode 22


Alien Hand Syndrome


Fred Anderson crashed his car; hand acted independently. Diagnosis and Progression: Stroke damage caused involuntary grasping. Treatment: Therapy and medication.


Sigmoid Volvulus


Sarah Malone had bowel obstruction. Diagnosis and Progression: Twisted intestine risking necrosis. Treatment: Emergency laparotomy "off the books."


Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed

  • Hepatic Vein Thrombosis: Surgical complication.

  • Alcohol/Benzodiazepine Overdose: Relapse.

  • Smoke Inhalation: Carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Chest Trauma: Rib fractures.

  • Abdominal Hernia: Wall defect.

  • Bacterial Peritonitis: Dialysis infection.

  • Sepsis: Infection response.



🔖 Key Takeaways


🗝️ AI in Medicine: The season heavily features the O.R. 2.0 technology, highlighting both its miraculous capabilities (resecting inoperable tumors, ectopic banking) and its catastrophic risks (creating phantom lesions).


🗝️ Supply Chain Crisis: Real-world issues impact the ED, forcing doctors to innovate with "DIY" solutions for chest tubes and perfusion machines, and to source medication from the gray market.


🗝️ Rare "Zebra" Diagnoses: The team uncovers obscure conditions such as Scurvy, Bedbug infestations mimicking plague, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, and Alien Hand Syndrome.


🗝️ Psychiatric Overlap: Many physical symptoms are revealed to have psychiatric roots (BIID, conversion disorder), while psychiatric symptoms are often traced to physical causes (tumors, medication side effects).



Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 8

Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 8


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