Medical Diagnoses in Chicago Med: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 3
- 3 days ago
- 14 min read
Chicago Med’s third season continues to push the boundaries of emergency medicine, shifting focus from standard trauma to intricate neurological mysteries, rare genetic anomalies, and the complex intersection of psychiatry and physical health. The writers significantly raised the clinical stakes this season, challenging the staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center with ethical dilemmas surrounding organ transplantation, mass casualty events, and diseases that defy initial explanation.
Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode review of the medical diagnoses, treatments, and conditions featured throughout Season 3.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Subdural Abscess (Secondary to Dental Infection)
The case of Ryan illustrated the lethal potential of untreated dental hygiene. Presenting with a persistent fever and headache, his condition rapidly deteriorated into a seizure. Imaging revealed a subdural abscess, a collection of pus causing high intracranial pressure. While environmental pathogens were initially suspected, the source was traced to severe tooth decay. Bacteria from a gum abrasion had entered his bloodstream and traveled to the brain, necessitating antibiotics and surgical drainage.
Non-Compaction Syndrome and Non-Ischemic Heart Failure
Mr. Wilson presented with non-compaction syndrome progressing to non-ischemic heart failure. The case urgency was compounded by tachycardia, which limited the use of inotropic support. A donor heart was eventually identified, but a significant size mismatch required the surgical team to reconstruct both the inflow and outflow tracks to fit the organ into the patient’s chest cavity.
Encephalitis (Antibody-Mediated)
Robin’s long-term battle with encephalitis was characterized by severe psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including disinhibition and phonemic paraphasia (word substitution). Her recovery plan required an intensive regimen of Prednisone, Ativan, Trileptal, and bi-weekly immunoglobulin infusions to manage lingering impulsivity.
Diffuse Bilateral Intraparenchymal Bleeding
Following a high-speed collision, Brian Cutler was found to have diffuse bleeding within the brain tissue. The pressure ultimately cut off blood supply, leading to herniation and brain death. His heart was subsequently procured for transplantation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Malignant Narcissism: A personality disorder combining narcissism, antisocial behavior, and sadism.
Traumatic Gunshot Wound: Penetrating injuries requiring immediate surgery for blood loss.
Abdominal Abscess: A post-surgical collection of pus marked by pain and high white blood cell counts.
Sociopathy: Psychiatric state involving devious behavior and disregard for responsibility.
Pleural Effusion: Fluid accumulation in the chest cavity causing respiratory distress.
Saddle Embolus: A large blood clot at the pulmonary artery bifurcation requiring thrombectomy.
Dehydration: Indicated by increased bicarbonate levels and elevated white blood cell counts.
Seizure: A neurological event treated with emergency Ativan.
Increased Intracranial Pressure (Cushing’s Response): A spike in blood pressure accompanied by a drop in heart rate.
Nerve Damage: Loss of sensation and motor function following trauma.
Episode 2
Defective Aortic Valve and Aortic Insufficiency
Two weeks after a valve replacement, Jerry Willis presented with tachycardia and low oxygen. An Austin Flint murmur indicated the new valve was leaking. A re-do surgery revealed a manufacturing defect where the valve leaflets were asymmetrical. The patient was treated by re-suturing a functional valve.
Orthorexia Nervosa and Fetal Malnourishment
Julie Dutra, eight months pregnant, presented with a fetus the size of a five-month-old. Diagnosed with orthorexia, her obsession with "pure" eating led to severe anemia and early kidney failure. The situation escalated to a dangerous arrhythmia, necessitating a crash C-section to save the malnourished infant.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Henry Lee presented with bilateral pleural effusions. An aggressive needle aspiration, which inadvertently caused a pneumothorax, allowed for fluid analysis that confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer.
Sociopathy and Factitious Behavior
Ms. Lake induced hypoglycemia through self-injected insulin to manipulate legal proceedings. Dr. Charles identified her behavior—including forging a doctor's note—as characteristic of sociopathy.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Tachycardia: Abnormally rapid heart rate.
Austin Flint Murmur: Indicator of significant aortic regurgitation.
Tricuspid Stenosis: Narrowing of the tricuspid valve opening.
Subclinical Myocardial Infarction: A "silent" heart attack.
Chronic Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump effectively.
Hypoglycemia: Dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib): Rapid, irregular heart rate threatening stability.
Anemia/Vitamin Deficiencies: Systemic complications from restricted diet.
Early Kidney Failure: Renal dysfunction due to malnourishment.
Malabsorption Syndrome: Potential cause for nutritional deficiencies.
Leaky Gut: Condition involving increased intestinal permeability.
Bilateral Pleural Effusions: Excess fluid surrounding both lungs.
Pulmonary Edema: Fluid backup in the lung air sacs.
Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung.
Irrational Fear of Heights: Phobia manifesting postpartum due to anxiety.
Episode 3
Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency
Myra Adams, a vegan student, progressed rapidly from seizures to brain death. Her vegan diet had masked a genetic OTC deficiency. Stress-induced ketosis caused her body to break down muscle, releasing lethal levels of ammonia that the liver could not process.
Fetus in Fetu
Alex Mayer presented with self-inflicted abdominal wounds, claiming something was inside him. Surgery revealed he was correct; he had a fetus in fetu—a twin absorbed in utero—embedded near his colon. The mass was surgically removed.
Severe Three-Vessel Disease
Jogger Ray Preston was diagnosed with severe three-vessel disease with calcification. Following a bypass, he suffered a clot and arterial rupture. The team opted for a conservative approach to allow the heart to heal naturally.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Somatic Delusional Disorder: Belief that an entity is inside the body.
Schizophrenia: Paranoia and self-harming behavior.
Methamphetamine Overdose: Investigated as a cause for psychosis.
Anemia: Low blood cell count identified in a vegan patient.
Cardiac Ischemia: Compromised blood flow identified by ST elevations.
Sepsis: Investigated cause for neurological decline.
Clot of the LAD Artery: Blockage in the "widow-maker" artery.
Artery Rupture: Complication causing massive internal bleeding.
Global Brain Edema: Widespread brain swelling stopping circulation.
Encephalitis/Meningitis: Inflammatory conditions investigated via lumbar puncture.
Paraneoplastic Syndrome: Autoimmune response to hidden cancer.
Ketosis: Metabolic state releasing nitrogen and ammonia.
Episode 4
Leptospirosis Outbreak
Harold Rosenblatt presented with jaundice and a purple rash, identified as Leptospirosis. The bacterial infection, traced to soil from a Christmas tree lot, caused Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Treatment involved broad-spectrum antibiotics and a surgical airway.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia
After a fall, Pedro Suarez was found to have fecal matter in his chest tube. His diaphragm had ruptured, allowing organs to migrate into his chest. A combined thoracic and abdominal surgery restored his anatomy using a Gore-Tex patch.
Zika Virus
Bruce Kim presented with fatigue after a secret trip to Aruba. An inconclusive Zika panel raised ethical questions regarding disclosure to his pregnant wife due to the risk of microcephaly.
Delusional Disorder
Vince Kramer exhibited paranoia and hallucinations about demons. Diagnosed with a delusional disorder, he was treated with Olanzapine.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Autoimmune condition causing psychosis.
Massive Myocardial Infarction (MI): Severe heart attack.
Tension Pneumothorax: Air trapped in the chest cavity collapsing the lung.
Severed Radial Artery: Vascular injury requiring ligation.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Systemic clotting and bleeding.
Braxton Hicks Contractions: False labor contractions.
Pre-term Labor: Labor onset before the 37th week.
Bipolar 1 Disorder: Psychiatric diagnosis for hyper-religiosity.
West Nile Virus: Mosquito-borne illness differential.
Microcephaly: Birth defect resulting in a small head.
Multiple Stab Wounds: Trauma causing hypovolemic shock.
Episode 5
Tick Paralysis
Denise Hughes presented with ascending paralysis after a flight from Australia. The condition was traced to a tick secreting a neurotoxin. The diagnosis was confirmed when Dr. Halstead, who had carried her, also began experiencing paralysis. Removal of the tick cured both patients.
AIDS with Toxoplasmosis of the CNS
Abena Kwemo presented with seizures and Kaposi Sarcoma lesions. Despite refusing testing due to stigma, a CT scan confirmed CNS toxoplasmosis secondary to AIDS. She was stabilized with saline and Ativan before agreeing to antiretroviral therapy.
Delayed Epidural Hematoma
Spencer Bouren, initially cleared after a car accident, died from a delayed epidural hematoma. This rare bleed developed after negative initial scans.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical brain disturbance.
Kaposi Sarcoma: AIDS-defining vascular skin lesions.
HIV/AIDS: Immune system compromise.
Pneumonia: Respiratory infection common in immunodeficiency.
Meningitis: Brain membrane inflammation.
Candidiasis: Fungal infection.
Nerve Compression Injury: Suspected cause of limb numbness.
Dislocated Hip: Traumatic joint displacement.
Avascular Necrosis: Bone death due to interrupted blood supply.
Encephalitis: Brain inflammation.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Immune system attacking nerves.
Heavy Metal Poisoning: Toxic cause of paralysis.
Exotic Infection: Pathogens from international travel.
Liver Laceration: Traumatic tear in the liver.
Grade 4 Splenic Rupture: Shattered spleen with hemorrhaging.
Fluid in the Lungs: Pulmonary edema.
Cardiac Arrest: Sudden cessation of heart function.
Lyme Disease: Tick-borne illness differential.
Episode 6
Gaucher’s Disease
Mr. Janichek’s vague symptoms of clumsiness were initially suspected to be factitious. A "pan scan" revealed an enlarged spleen, leading to a diagnosis of Gaucher’s disease, a genetic enzyme deficiency. Treatment required a splenectomy and enzyme replacement.
Saddle Pulmonary Embolism and OHSS
Jessie Rowe developed Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) after IVF, thickening her blood and causing a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. Surgeons performed an emergency sternotomy to manually remove the clot.
Appendicitis and Historic Tubal Ligation
While treating a ruptured appendix, doctors discovered tubal ligation clips in Nancy Buckley. This revealed she had been sterilized without consent as a teenager.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Colles’ Fracture: Wrist fracture requiring reduction.
Encephalitis: Brain inflammation causing behavioral changes.
Kleptomania: Impulsive urge to steal.
Radiation Poisoning: Delusion of contamination.
Schizophrenia: Psychiatric disorder with delusions.
Hernia: Abdominal pain differential.
Anemia: Low hemoglobin levels.
Heavy Metal Poisoning: Toxin exposure causing ataxia.
Factitious Disorder: Feigning illness for attention.
Episode 7
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
A newborn presented with hypothermia, seizures, and respiratory distress. Toxicology confirmed the mother used heroin, leading to a diagnosis of NAS. Treatment involved morphine, Ativan, and skin-to-skin contact to stabilize the infant.
Sepsis and Pneumonia Secondary to Supranuclear Palsy
Lyla Dempsey aspirated due to supranuclear palsy, developing pneumonia and sepsis. She eventually went into SVT and passed away after refusing intubation.
Traumatic Crush Injury and Phantom Limb Pain
Gary, a squatter trapped in a collapse, required a field amputation after a REBOA was used to manage hemorrhage. Following the procedure, he suffered from phantom limb pain.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Heroin Addiction/Withdrawal: Opioid dependency.
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after birth.
Anxiety/PTSD: Distress from terrifying events.
Neonatal Seizures: Convulsions in a newborn.
Anoxic Brain Injury: Damage from lack of oxygen.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Rapid heart rhythm.
Episode 8
Anorexia Nervosa
Allison presented with a BMI of 11, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Despite a negotiated feeding tube plan, she utilized a legal injunction to refuse care and ultimately died from cardiac arrest.
Renal Cell Carcinoma with Vena Cava Extension
Asterid Morgan’s back pain revealed a kidney tumor extending into her heart. Surgery removed the tumor and kidney, but the discovery of tibial metastasis required Dr. Rhodes to anonymously fund her chemotherapy.
Wilson’s Disease
Jamie Walker’s mania was unresponsive to standard meds. Kayser-Fleischer rings in her eyes revealed Wilson’s disease, a genetic copper accumulation disorder exacerbated by her culinary work with copper pots.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Tommy contracted a "superbug" abscess. The source was his girlfriend, an asymptomatic carrier colonized by VRE during a hospitalization a decade prior.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hypothermia: Low body temperature.
Sinus Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
Jaundice: Yellowing indicating liver dysfunction.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar.
Strep Throat: Bacterial infection (ruled out).
Renal Insufficiency: Impaired kidney function.
Bipolar Mania: Rapid speech and agitation.
Schizoaffective Disorder: Combined mood and psychotic symptoms.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Neurological cause for mania.
Delirium: Confused thinking.
Ureteral Compression: Pressure on ureters causing pain.
Pneumonia: Respiratory infection.
Staph Infection: Bacterial abscess.
Septic Shock: Infection causing low BP.
Metastasis to the Tibia: Cancer spread to bone.
Tuberculosis (TB): Infectious lung disease.
Episode 9
Cranial Fracture and Nasal Myiasis
Debra McCormick presented with a seizure and a moving mass in her sinus. Doctors extracted a live cockroach attracted to cerebrospinal fluid leaking from a cranial fracture caused by abuse.
Lung Tumor with SVC Invasion
Dr. Jaffrey had a lung tumor invading his superior vena cava. He underwent an awake, off-pump resection using a temporary graft, though he eventually required general anesthesia.
Extreme Preterm Labor
Joanna Harris delivered a 490-gram infant at 22 weeks. Despite resuscitation efforts, the neonate succumbed to respiratory failure and bradycardia.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Suspected Drug Overdose: Initial evaluation for unconsciousness.
Seizure: Acute neurological event.
Anxiety and Depression: Comorbid mental health conditions.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Impulsive aggressive outbursts.
Neonatal Respiratory Failure: Inability to oxygenate.
Sertraline-Induced Nausea: Medication side effect.
Neonatal Bradycardia: Slow heart rate in a newborn.
Episode 10
Stage One Choriocarcinoma
During a D&C for a miscarriage, a malignant tumor was found in Lindsay Cray’s uterus. Despite recommendations for chemotherapy, the emancipated minor opted for a hysterectomy.
Coronary Artery Disease
Margo Dimilio suffered a mild heart attack attributed to long-term CAD. Due to vessel curvature, stenting was impossible, requiring a robotic-assisted bypass.
Harm OCD
Ben Samuels feared he would kill his pregnant wife. Doctors diagnosed Harm OCD, noting his horror at the thoughts proved he was not psychotic. Exposure therapy helped him regain control.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pneumothorax/Hemothorax: Lung collapse and blood in chest.
Manic Psychosis: Detachment from reality.
Subclavian Artery Injury: Trauma causing hemorrhage.
Concussion: Mild traumatic brain injury.
Ovarian Cancer: Hereditary malignancy.
Episode 11
Folie à Deux and Psychopathy
Brittany Coleman stabbed a neighbor she believed was poisoning her. Dr. Charles discovered her delusions were induced by her friend, Alana, to steal the neighbor's apartment. Alana was diagnosed as a psychopath.
Type-A Proximal Aortic Dissection
Joe Murphy was misdiagnosed with a STEMI. An echo revealed an aortic dissection. He underwent a Bentall procedure under deep hypothermic arrest and survived.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Infant Abby presented with a stridor cough and cyanosis. She contracted Pertussis from an unvaccinated cousin. Treatment included intubation and antibiotics.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Head Laceration: Fall injury.
Stab Wound to Epigastrium: Abdominal trauma.
Ulnar Styloid Fracture: Wrist fracture.
Chronic Cardiomyopathy: Heart failure.
Malnutrition/Dehydration: Secondary to psychiatric delusion.
Croup: Stridor cough differential.
Liver Damage: Acetaminophen toxicity.
Stomach Perforation: Knife wound to stomach.
Seizures: Respiratory crisis complication.
Conjoined Twins: Physically connected infants.
Episode 12
Cystic Fibrosis and Acute Pneumothorax
Luke Wallis required a lung transplant after a pneumothorax and ECMO complications, including a clot in the oxygenator and multi-organ failure.
Laryngeal Cancer
Vic Thomas presented with hemoptysis and an airway obstruction caused by laryngeal cancer. A pedophile, he viewed the terminal illness as an escape and refused life-saving treatment.
Chorioamnionitis and Shoulder Dystocia
Homeless teen Laura had premature rupture of membranes leading to infection. During a street delivery, she suffered shoulder dystocia, requiring an emergency episiotomy.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Robert Haywood’s PET scan showed reduced prefrontal cortex activity, leading to a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder alongside his Class III heart failure.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Syncope: Loss of consciousness.
Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
Dehydration: Lack of fluids.
Premature Rupture of Membranes: Risk of infection.
Early Liver Failure: Organ decline.
Coagulopathy: Impaired clotting.
Pedophilia: Psychiatric condition.
Multi-organ Failure: Systemic collapse.
Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle disease.
Episode 13
Stroke of the Artery of Percheron
Rachel Wexler’s coma was caused by a clot traveling through a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) to the Artery of Percheron. Local thrombolysis restored consciousness.
Giant-Cell Myocarditis (GCM)
Dan Kennet’s heart failure was caused by GCM. He was placed on ECMO and underwent plasmapheresis to lower antibodies before receiving a heart transplant.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hyperacute Rejection: Immediate organ failure.
Drug Overdose: Substance toxicity.
Muscle Strain: Overexertion injury.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: High blood acids.
Liver Failure: Loss of function.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): External force damage.
Sepsis: Systemic infection response.
Class Three Heart Failure: Activity limitation.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: Lack of empathy.
Pneumonia: Lung infection.
Stomach Bug/Kidney Stones: Abdominal pain differentials.
Pregnancy: Gestation.
Episode 14
Lymphoma with Mediastinal Mass
Gary Taylor treated with an experimental chemotherapy cocktail. While the tumor shrank, he died of cardiac failure confirmed by autopsy.
Pneumothorax and Ischemic Stroke
Jill Fisher suffered a laryngospasm after a car accident. An emergency cricothyroidotomy saved her airway, but oxygen deprivation caused an ischemic stroke.
Cardiac Tamponade
Stabbing victim Tim Vance had a hole in his left ventricle. An emergency ED thoracotomy was used to staple the heart wound.
Pediatric Pneumonia
Infant Zach Womack was treated for pneumonia with vancomycin in the PICU.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Psychopathy: Lack of conscience.
Seat Belt Sign: Blunt force trauma indicator.
Rib Fractures: Chest wall breaks.
Fetal Loss: Pregnancy loss.
L2 Compression Fracture: Vertebral break.
Germ Cell Tumors: Oncological growths.
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib): Cardiac emergency.
Episode 15
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and Chylothorax
Malcolm Tucker’s misdiagnosed diverticulitis was actually sarcoidosis, confirmed after a chylothorax (lymphatic leak) occurred.
Dissociative Repression
Katherine appeared "possessed," speaking in tongues (reciting Jabberwocky). The diagnosis was Dissociative Repression triggered by childhood sexual abuse.
Aortic Stenosis in Conjoined Twins
Conjoined twin Lily developed heart failure from aortic stenosis. Dr. Rhodes performed a valvuloplasty to stabilize both twins before separation.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive behaviors.
Ectopic Heartbeats: Irregular rhythms.
End-Stage Heart Failure: Transplant requirement.
Severe Dehydration/Malnutrition: Fluid/nutrient lack.
Emphysema: Chronic respiratory disease.
Pneumonia: Lung inflammation.
Diverticulitis: Digestive tract infection.
Immunocompromised State: Weakened immune system.
Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack.
Severe Separation Anxiety: Fear of separation.
Lymphoma: Cancer differential.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VTAC): Rapid rhythm.
Episode 16
17-beta HSD3 Deficiency
Nine-year-old Emma presented with testicular torsion. Genetic testing revealed XY chromosomes and 17-beta HSD3 deficiency. Surgery involved an orchiopexy.
Ruptured Atrial Appendage
Bruce Hammond had a hole in his heart following a car accident. Surgery was complicated by a missing suction catheter tip, which had to be retrieved from the pulmonary vein.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
STEMI: Severe heart attack.
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Reduced heart function.
A-fib/SVT: Irregular heartbeats.
Metastatic Lung Cancer: Advanced malignancy.
Malignant Pleural Effusions: Fluid buildup from cancer.
Burns: Thermal injuries requiring escharotomy.
Hemothorax/Sternal Fracture: Chest trauma.
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid around heart.
Asystole: Flatline.
Episode 17
Toxic Megacolon
Kevin Parks, misdiagnosed with PANDAS, developed toxic megacolon from prophylactic antibiotics. He required bowel resection. His tics were attributed to genetic OCD.
Acute Leukemia
Runaway teen Josh Logan had leukemia and attachment disorder. He agreed to treatment only if he could stay with his dog.
Fentanyl Overdose
Frank Larson inhaled fentanyl while in a warehouse. Despite treatment, he developed flash pulmonary edema and died.
End-Stage Heart Failure
Robert Haywood received a heart transplant using a donor heart repaired ex-vivo by Dr. Rhodes.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Appendicitis/Crohn's/Colitis: Abdominal differentials.
PANDAS: Neuropsychiatric disorder.
Superinfection: Infection from antibiotic overuse.
Dementia: Cognitive decline.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Gunshot wound effects.
Brain Death: Loss of brain function.
Opioid Overdose: Toxicity symptoms.
Personality Disorder: Rigid behavioral patterns.
Flash Pulmonary Edema: Rapid lung fluid accumulation.
PEA: Pulseless electrical activity.
Episode 18
Lacerated Jugular and Hemorrhage
Mass shooter Trent Harris had a lacerated jugular and self-inflicted abdominal wounds. A hoarder, he was treated via damage control laparotomy in the doctor’s lounge.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Facial Trauma: Airway obstruction.
Sinus Tachycardia/Asystole: Heart rate extremes.
Acute Stress Response: Psychological trauma.
Syncope/Hypotension: Fainting/Low BP.
Upper Extremity Fracture: Arm break.
Lacerated Carotid Artery: Major vessel tear.
Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: Crush injury effect.
Penetrating Extremity Wounds: Gunshot wounds.
Penetrating Chest Trauma: Chest wall holes.
Coagulopathy: Clotting failure.
Hoarding Disorder: Psychiatric condition.
Rib Fractures: Blunt force trauma.
Epidural Hematoma: Brain bleed.
Respiratory Compromise: Inadequate oxygenation.
Episode 19
Systemic Mastocytosis
Cody’s "flu" was actually systemic mastocytosis. Standard ECMO would have caused anaphylaxis, so he was treated with Partial Liquid Ventilation.
Mitral Valve Stenosis and Placenta Previa
Pregnant patient Tracy Herman required a valve replacement. Placental hemorrhage complicated the recovery, leading to a fatal clotting of the mechanical valve.
Acetaminophen and Opioid Toxicity
Jeremy overdosed on hospital-grade Percocet. He was treated with naloxone and NAC.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Airway Obstruction: Blockage requiring cricothyrotomy.
Systolic Murmur: Heart strain indicator.
Conjoined Twins: Shared anatomy issues.
Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
Anaphylactic Shock: Severe allergic reaction.
Placental Hemorrhage: Uncontrollable bleeding.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Lethal arrhythmia.
Episode 20
Conjoined Twins with VSD
During separation surgery, a VSD was found in twin Dot. A transcatheter closure device was used to repair the hole before successful separation.
Hepatitis A and C
Homeless youth Laura presented with acute Hepatitis A superimposed on chronic Hepatitis C. She died of liver and kidney failure.
Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Suicidal patient Bert Goodwin was treated in a hyperbaric chamber to reduce carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Mild Stroke: Unconsciousness cause.
Heart Transplant Recovery: Monitoring for rejection.
Pneumonia: Post-op complication.
Cell Memory Phenomenon: Transplant personality changes.
Antisocial Personality Disorder: Pathological behavior.
Asystole: Cardiac arrest.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Genetic Mysteries: Season 3 heavily features genetic conditions that masquerade as other illnesses, such as OTC deficiency appearing as psychosis and Wilson’s Disease appearing as mania.
🗝️ Cardiothoracic Complexity: From complex congenital defects in conjoined twins to ex-vivo heart repairs, the surgical team tackles high-risk cardiovascular interventions.
🗝️ Psychiatry Meets Physiology: Several cases highlight the overlap between mental and physical health, including PANDAS (ruled out for OCD), Dissociative Repression, and the physical manifestations of Eating Disorders.
🗝️ Trauma and Ethics: The season explores the ethical boundaries of trauma care, including the treatment of mass shooters and the rights of emancipated minors refusing cancer treatment.
🗝️ Infectious Disease Vectors: The show emphasizes detailed patient histories to identify vectors for disease, such as ticks causing paralysis and soil contaminants causing Leptospirosis.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 3
Medical Diagnoses Chicago Med Season 3
Comments