Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 9
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Season 9 of Chicago Med returns to the high-pressure environment of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, navigating a new landscape of medical emergencies and technological advancements. This season introduces the OR 2.0 platform for complex surgeries while continuing to explore intricate psychiatric cases and rare "zebra" diagnoses. From mass casualty events on the interstate to the subtle signs of hereditary conditions, the medical team faces challenges that test their clinical acumen and ethical boundaries.
Below is a detailed review of the primary medical cases and additional diagnoses presented throughout the season.
Episode 1
Bilateral Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation
Brice Morgan, 10, was crushed in a vehicle, resulting in "internal decapitation." Diagnosis and Progression: Bilateral atlanto-occipital dislocation. Surgery was complicated by a venous air embolism detected by AI. Treatment: Experimental transoral fixation via OR 2.0 and air suction from the heart.
Metabolic Syndrome (Polypharmacy)
Harris Shorr presented with dizziness and obesity. Diagnosis and Progression: Metabolic syndrome caused by redundant mood stabilizers (lithium, quetiapine, lamotrigine). Treatment: Medication adjustment (stopping quetiapine).
Renal Transplant Failure
Kayla, a transplant recipient, had abdominal pain after a crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Seatbelt trauma caused active hemorrhage and kidney failure. Treatment: IR embolization and eventual second transplant from a deceased accident victim.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Acute Subdural Hematoma: Bleeding on the brain.
ESRD: Kidney failure.
Arterial Bleed: High-pressure hemorrhage.
V-fib: Cardiac arrest.
Pseudoaneurysm: Vascular leak.
Episode 2
Aspergillosis
Allison Levine, a lung cancer survivor, had respiratory distress. Diagnosis and Progression: Initially suspected as metastatic cancer, a biopsy confirmed fungal infection (Aspergillosis) from compost. Treatment: Antifungal medication.
Murine Typhus
Luis Obrador presented with fever and a rash. Diagnosis and Progression: Flea-borne infection contracted during migration. Treatment: Isolation and antibiotics.
Sarcoma
Sheryl Martin had neck trauma from a car crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Imaging revealed an "incidentaloma" that was confirmed as metastatic sarcoma. Treatment: Oncology management.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Expanding Neck Hematoma: Airway obstruction.
Hypercapnia: High CO2.
Lung Cancer: Historical diagnosis.
Malaria: Differential diagnosis.
Episode 3
Pancreatic Cancer (Presenting as Depression)
Paul Moore had sudden depression and diabetes. Diagnosis and Progression: Pancreatic cancer manifested as psychiatric symptoms and metabolic changes. Treatment: Chemotherapy and distal pancreatectomy.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Impulse Control Disorder: Psychiatric condition.
Fentanyl Overdose: Drug toxicity.
Metastatic Abdominal Sarcoma: Tumor causing compression.
Appendicitis: Inflammation.
Shoulder Dystocia: Birth complication.
Episode 4
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
Jordan Moore III fainted and had a family history of sudden death. Diagnosis and Progression: Genetic arrhythmia triggered by stress ("shorting out" the heart). Treatment: Beta-blockers and ICD.
Migrated Foreign Body
Floyd had abdominal pain. Diagnosis and Progression: Ingested barbecue brush bristle migrated through the stomach. Treatment: Surgical removal.
Open-Book Pelvic Fracture
Mark May crashed on black ice. Diagnosis and Progression: Severe pelvic fracture with hypotension. Treatment: Pelvic packing and fixation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Preterm Triplet Birth: Obstetric emergency.
ESRD: Kidney failure.
ACL Tear: Knee injury.
Malrotation: Intestinal anomaly.
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: Joint injury.
Episode 5
Sequelae of Transorbital Lobotomy
Jimmy, found hypothermic, had cognitive impairment. Diagnosis and Progression: Frontal lobe scarring from a historical lobotomy procedure. Treatment: Supportive care.
Contained Appendiceal Cancer
Alex Foster had a high heart rate. Diagnosis and Progression: Appendicitis turned out to be appendiceal cancer. Treatment: Appendectomy; treated for anaphylactoid reaction to anesthesia reversal.
Septic Shock (Retained Products of Conception)
Kaitlin Neeley, pregnant, had sepsis. Diagnosis and Progression: Infection from fetal remains after water broke weeks prior. Treatment: Emergent D&E with Bakri balloon.
Infective Endocarditis
Damon Adams had heart failure. Diagnosis and Progression: Valve infection from IV drug use. Treatment: Fatal cardiac arrest.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hypothermia: Cold exposure.
Dementia: Cognitive decline.
Pulmonary Edema: Lung fluid.
Anaphylactoid Reaction: Drug sensitivity.
Episode 6
Lemierre Syndrome
Adriana had a sore throat and chest pain. Diagnosis and Progression: Throat infection spread to the jugular vein, causing septic emboli. Treatment: Thrombectomy and antibiotics.
Alzheimer’s Dementia
Bert exhibited forgetfulness. Diagnosis and Progression: Neurological evaluation confirmed Alzheimer's. Treatment: Long-term care planning.
Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Sully had a cough after a bar fight. Diagnosis and Progression: Incidental nodule found on X-ray. Treatment: Oncology referral.
Recurrent Ileostomy Prolapse
Caleb had a stoma issue. Diagnosis and Progression: Prolapse from physical activity. Treatment: Reversal surgery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Gunshot Wound: Subclavian artery injury.
Boxer's Fracture: Hand break.
Peritonsillar Abscess: Throat infection.
Episode 7
Myocardial Infarction Complicated by OCD
Jason Davies had a heart attack but refused care due to OCD symmetry compulsions. Diagnosis and Progression: MI confirmed by troponin; refused stent until "even" number of attacks. Treatment: Psychological intervention (placebo pill splitting) allowed consent for stenting.
Migrated Birth Control Implant
Marisol Robles had chest symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: Implant migrated to pulmonary artery. Treatment: Lobectomy required after IR perforation.
Paraganglioma
Hillary had a neck tumor encasing the carotid. Diagnosis and Progression: Tumor causing syncope. Treatment: Carotid bypass and tumor removal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Dementia: Cognitive decline.
End-stage renal disease: Kidney failure.
Hamstring strain: Muscle injury.
Bronchogenic cyst: Lung anomaly.
Episode 8
Cystic Fibrosis with Septic Shock
Carson Miller had massive lung infection. Diagnosis and Progression: Septic shock from destroyed lungs. Treatment: Bilateral lung removal; breast implants used as spacers during ECMO bridge.
Preeclampsia and Cord Prolapse
Becca Easton had high BP and water broke. Diagnosis and Progression: Cord prolapse threatening fetus. Treatment: Emergency C-section with manual head elevation.
Suspected Multiple Sclerosis
Tyler Easton had sensory symptoms and "telepathy." Diagnosis and Progression: Neurological symptoms suggesting MS affecting perception. Treatment: Refused MRI.
Severe Hypothermia ("Lazarus")
Leo Pruitt found frozen. Diagnosis and Progression: "Dead" appearance; bladder thermometer error masked viability. Treatment: Rewarming led to ROSC.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
SIDS: Infant death.
PTSD: Trauma response.
Opioid Addiction: Substance use.
Episode 9
Pheochromocytoma
Shayna Ellis had hypertension after a crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Adrenal tumor releasing epinephrine. Treatment: Surgery after overcoming cult influence.
Greenstick Fracture
Mason (infant) had an arm injury. Diagnosis and Progression: Blunt force trauma initially flagged as abuse; confirmed accidental. Treatment: Casting.
Subdural Hematoma
Dakota Andrews had head trauma. Diagnosis and Progression: Brainstem herniation and death. Treatment: Organ donation evaluation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Alzheimer’s: Neurodegeneration.
Hypoxia: Low oxygen.
Pelvic Fracture: Trauma.
Sepsis: Infection.
Episode 10
Perforated Appendicitis (Atypical)
Mallory Bates had vague symptoms. Diagnosis and Progression: Ruptured appendix masquerading as a pelvic mass. Treatment: Appendectomy.
Somnambulism (Sleepwalking)
June Bishop jumped from a balcony. Diagnosis and Progression: Sleep study confirmed sleepwalking, not suicide. Treatment: Fatal trauma; organ donation.
Traumatic Hemo-pneumothorax
Dr. Loren Johnson injured in helicopter crash. Diagnosis and Progression: Collapsed lung with bleeding. Treatment: Field decompression.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Respiratory Failure: Lung shutdown.
Substance Use: Drug toxicity.
Sinusitis: Infection.
Ileus: Bowel paralysis.
Episode 11
Bipolar Disorder (Misdiagnosed)
Jay Keene had manic behavior on SSRIs. Diagnosis and Progression: Antidepressants induced mania, confirming bipolar disorder. Treatment: Mood stabilizers.
Neurogenic Shock
Whitney Poole had spinal trauma. Diagnosis and Progression: T3 fracture and renal laceration. Treatment: Nephrectomy and spinal stabilization.
Lung Cancer
Sully had a throat tear from coughing. Diagnosis and Progression: Confirmed cancer. Treatment: Oncology admission.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Bleeding into chest: Hemorrhage.
UTI: Infection.
Rib fractures: Trauma.
Episode 12
Alzheimer’s Disease (Sundowning)
Bert exhibited agitation at night. Diagnosis and Progression: Progression of Alzheimer's. Treatment: Home care plan.
End-Stage Liver Disease
Colin needed a transplant. Diagnosis and Progression: Systemic infection from a toe prevented surgery. Treatment: Transplant canceled.
PPROM and Cerclage Complication
Lynne's water broke early. Diagnosis and Progression: Cerclage tore cervix. Treatment: Suture removal and delivery.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pernicious Anemia: B12 deficiency.
Self-Harm: Coping mechanism.
Chemical Burn: Acid injury.
Sepsis: Kidney stone complication.
Episode 13
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (Fetal)
Katherine Walker's fetus had a hernia. Diagnosis and Progression: Maternal compartment syndrome complicated the case. Treatment: Fetal balloon surgery and maternal fasciotomy.
Late-Stage Dementia
Doug Green, a prisoner, was disoriented. Diagnosis and Progression: Global atrophy confirmed dementia, not malingering. Treatment: Compassionate release advocacy.
Comminuted Patella Fracture
Pawel Wapniarski was assaulted. Diagnosis and Progression: Shattered kneecap. Treatment: Orthopedic surgery.
Abdominal Impalement
Hunter fell on deer antlers. Diagnosis and Progression: Penetrating injury. Treatment: Surgical removal.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Norovirus: Staff infection.
Colles Fracture: Wrist break.
Heroin Use: Addiction.
Foreign Body Ingestion: Drug bag.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ The Return of "Zebras": Season 9 continues the tradition of identifying rare conditions like Lemierre Syndrome, Pheochromocytoma, and Aspergillosis mimicking cancer, reinforcing the need for thorough diagnostic detective work.
🗝️ High-Tech vs. Field Medicine: The contrast between advanced OR 2.0 surgeries (like the transoral spine fixation) and primitive field interventions (using breast implants for spacers, DIY chest tubes) highlights the adaptability of the medical team.
🗝️ Psychiatric nuance: The season deeply explores the intersection of physical and mental health, distinguishing between conditions like OCD-driven refusal of care, misdiagnosed Bipolar disorder, and the physical manifestations of stress.
🗝️ Ethics of Care: Complex ethical scenarios arise, including treating patients involved in cults, managing prisoners with dementia, and navigating the gray areas of organ transplant eligibility.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 9
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 9
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