Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 8
- Jan 30
- 12 min read

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.
Content ⁉️
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







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