Medical Diagnoses in Grey's Anatomy: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 14
- Nov 19
- 10 min read
Season 14 of Grey’s Anatomy marked a return to high-octane medical innovation and complex surgical puzzles. This season moved away from administrative drama to focus heavily on ground-breaking medical technology, highlighted by the Harper Avery surgical contest. From revolutionary abdominal wall transplants to the use of focused ultrasound for inoperable tumors, the writers room packed this season with fascinating pathology.
Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode review of the medical cases, diagnoses, and treatments presented in Season 14.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Following Massive Hernia
Megan Hunt
The premiere centers on the return of trauma surgeon Megan Hunt, who was found alive after being presumed dead in Iraq. She presented with a "frozen abdomen," a severe complication where abdominal layers scar and fuse together, leaving the bowel as a single mass. She also suffered from a massive hernia and an enterocutaneous (EC) fistula, causing food to exit instantly through the wound.
Treatment: The initial plan proposed by Dr. Meredith Grey was a multi-stage repair using tissue expanders to stretch the skin, followed by fistula takedown and component separation. However, insufficient tissue availability complicated the closure.
Pediatric Malrotation Requiring Ladd's Procedure
Max Spencer
A seven-year-old patient presented with chronic vomiting and abdominal pain. An Upper GI series revealed malrotation, a congenital anomaly where the cecum is misplaced, and fibrous bands compress the duodenum.
Treatment: Max underwent a Ladd’s procedure to lyse the adhesions. The surgery became complicated by unexpected bands and a bowel perforation, necessitating an antibiotic flush.
Benign Osteoblastoma of the Temporal Bone
Beau Martinez
A teenager presented with jaw pain caused by a large, benign osteoblastoma encasing the 7th and 8th cranial nerves.
Treatment: Dr. Amelia Shepherd performed a risky resection via a sub-occipital approach, while Dr. Avery handled the jaw reconstruction using a temporalis muscle flap.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Severe Burn Injuries: A patient airlifted to a burn center.
Multiple Open Fractures: A pedestrian struck by an SUV requiring an ED thoracotomy.
Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP): A technique mentioned for preserving lungs outside the body.
Episode 2
Total Abdominal-Wall Transplant
Megan Hunt
Continuing from the previous episode, Megan Hunt’s abdominal wound was deemed resistant to standard closure. Dr. Grey proposed a radical solution: a total abdominal-wall transplant. This rare procedure involved harvesting skin, muscle, and fascia from a deceased donor to replace the defect entirely.
Treatment: The team found a donor matching Megan’s specific skin tone ("peach not olive") to ensure a cosmetic match. The transplant was successful, promising full motor and sensory recovery.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Trigeminal Nerve Compression: Caused by a benign tumor, leading to debilitating pain.
Mastoid Destruction: Bone destruction observed during tumor removal.
PTSD: Discussed in relation to the doctors' mental health.
Episode 3
Benign Grade I Meningioma
Dr. Amelia Shepherd
In a shocking twist, Dr. Shepherd diagnosed herself with a massive Grade I Meningioma on her left frontal lobe. The tumor, described as "grapefruit-sized," had likely been growing for a decade, compromising her judgment and impulse control.
Treatment: Dr. Tom Koracick was brought in to manage the case, strictly prohibiting Amelia from practicing medicine until the tumor was removed.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Thromboembolectomy: For a 24-inch blood clot extending from the iliac vein to the heart.
Inoperable Astrocytoma: Referenced in a case report regarding fetal surgeon Nicole Herman.
Protracted Labor: Complicated by an allergy to synthetic oxytocin.
Episode 4
Meningioma Resection and Retrograde Amnesia
Dr. Amelia Shepherd
Dr. Koracick performed the resection of Amelia’s meningioma via a subfrontal craniotomy. A complication arose involving a vessel en passant, causing concerns about ischemia.
Post-Operative Complications: Upon waking, Amelia suffered from retrograde amnesia, temporarily forgetting her brother Derek had died. She also experienced aphasia where she could only speak French. These deficits were attributed to edema and reperfusion injury but eventually resolved.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Monitored closely post-op.
Cellulitis: A patient presenting with fever and erythema requiring antibiotics.
Beta-Thalassemia: A blood disorder affecting a child in Baghdad.
Episode 5
Severe Combat Trauma (Vascular Injury)
PFC Tyler Budreaux
Set in a flashback to Iraq, this episode focused on battlefield trauma. Tyler presented with multiple gunshot wounds and a mangled arm.
Treatment: Despite unstable vitals, Dr. Megan Hunt performed a reversed saphenous vein graft to save the limb, opposing the standard "life over limb" damage control protocol.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Splenic Rupture: Required an exploratory laparotomy (ex-lap) for a suspected shooter.
Diminished Breathing Sounds: Indicated chest trauma requiring a chest tube.
Episode 6
Stage 4-A Colon Cancer (ALPPS Procedure)
Judge Jeffrey King
A patient with colon cancer and liver metastasis underwent the ALPPS procedure (Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy). This two-stage surgery diverts blood flow to the healthy liver lobe to induce hypertrophy before removing the diseased lobe.
Outcome: The surgery was successful, but the patient died suddenly from a massive pulmonary embolism (thrown clot) shortly after.
Skull Base Schwannoma
Patient Harmony (Treated by Dr. Shepherd)
Marking her return to surgery, Amelia removed a complex schwannoma using a combined sub-occipital and sub-temporal approach, proving her competence post-tumor.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Hypochondriasis: A patient convinced of illness who accidentally shot himself.
Foreign Body: A gun inserted into a body cavity causing trauma.
Episode 7
Mass Casualty Trauma (Roller Coaster Accident)
A roller coaster derailment provided multiple trauma cases:
Dean Parson: Suffered a splenic laceration and a delayed epidural hematoma, requiring a splenectomy and emergent craniotomy.
Greg Williams: Sustained a C5 fracture dislocation and mesenteric vessel bleeding.
Cleo Kim: Suffered a transected Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) requiring ligation.
Mirror Syndrome
Liza
A pregnant resident developed Mirror Syndrome, mimicking the symptoms of her fetus who had hydrops caused by a placental chorioangioma. An emergency C-section was performed to save the baby.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Crush Syndrome: Potential complication for trapped victims.
Beading of Mesenteric Vessel: Sign of internal bleeding on CT.
Episode 8
ARDS and ECMO During Hospital Hack
Claude Markham
During a cyber-attack, a thyroidectomy patient developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). With ventilators compromised, he was placed on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). The lack of power made his transport critically dangerous.
Factor V Leiden and Stroke Risk
Frankie Baner
A child with Factor V Leiden (thrombophilia) needed his anticoagulation reversed for surgery. The hack prevented access to records to confirm if he received Vitamin K. Doctors used a vagal maneuver to manage his heart rate without risking heparin administration.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Idiopathic Splenomegaly: A patient requiring a laparotomy when laparoscopic cameras failed.
Hemoperitoneum: Blood in the abdomen.
Episode 9
Tracheo-innominate Fistula
Larry Keys
A patient with a tracheostomy developed a massive hemorrhage due to a tracheo-innominate fistula. Dr. Kepner saved his life by inserting her finger into the stoma to compress the vessel against the sternum.
Bleeding AVM
Frankie Baner
Due to a communication error during the hack, Frankie received heparin, causing his Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) to rupture. He required emergency embolization.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Heatstroke: Due to the HVAC hack.
Loss of Clotting Factors: Complicated by locked blood banks.
Episode 10
Second-Impact Syndrome
Paul Stadler
Dr. Jo Wilson’s abusive husband presented with a concussion. After leaving against medical advice, he suffered a second blow, leading to Second-Impact Syndrome. The rapid brain herniation resulted in brain death.
HELLP Syndrome and DIC
Karin Taylor
A pregnant patient’s subtle preeclampsia signs were missed. She rapidly progressed to HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Despite a hysterectomy and massive transfusion, she died.
Delayed Carotid Rupture
Eric Sterling
A boy with a neck GSW appeared stable, but the blast wave damaged the carotid wall. The artery blew (ruptured) later, leading to airway obstruction and death.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Flexor Tendon Injury: Slashed wrists requiring repair.
Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): Cardiac arrest rhythm.
Episode 11
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) in Women
Dr. Miranda Bailey
Dr. Bailey presented with nausea and heartburn, recognizing them as atypical symptoms of a Myocardial Infarction (MI). Initial tests were normal, leading to dismissal by other doctors. Eventually, ST elevations confirmed the diagnosis.
Treatment: A stent in the LAD failed, requiring an emergency keyhole Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
OCD: Discussed as a reason doctors dismissed Bailey’s physical symptoms.
Coronary Dissection: Complication during stenting.
Episode 12
Recurrent Low-Grade Glioma
Kimmie Park
A pediatric patient presented with a recurrent glioma encroaching on Wernicke’s area (speech center). Standard surgery would leave her mute.
Innovation: This case inspired Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Karev to research MRI-guided ultrasound ablation, using sound waves to destroy the tumor without incision.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
End-Stage Liver Disease: Discussed in the context of generating new organs.
Gender Dysphoria: Vaginoplasty techniques discussed.
Episode 13
Ultrasound Ablation Research
The team successfully tested the multi-beam ultrasound theory on models, proving that converging sound waves could heat a target without burning the skull.
Chemical Explosion Trauma
Tyler and Zach Richardson
Two brothers injured in a chemistry experiment. Tyler suffered a transected superior mesenteric artery requiring a graft. He developed anaphylaxis to the fluorescein dye used to check perfusion. Zach required manual compression of the abdominal aorta.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Super Infected Groin Abscess: Required drainage.
Intracranial Bleeding: Suspected in trauma.
Episode 14
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Ear Amputation
Sarah
A rugby manager suffered a traumatic ear amputation. Pre-op workup revealed a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). Dr. Pierce repaired the ear and treated the heart defect simultaneously using a catheter patch, a minimally invasive option.
Compartment Syndrome
Chris
A patient with a leg injury developed compartment syndrome, a pressure buildup that cuts off blood flow. An emergency fasciotomy was performed in the ER.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Grade-Three Concussion: Sustained by Dr. DeLuca.
Severe Nausea: Treated with medical marijuana for pediatric patient Kimmie.
Episode 15
End-Stage Cardiomyopathy and Transplant Mismatch
Charlie Peterson
A patient with a scarce, scarred heart initially planned for a Dor procedure was switched to a transplant.
Complication: The donor heart was too large due to edema. The team left the chest open with Ioban wrap until swelling subsided, followed by a sternal reconstruction.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Laparoscopic Biliary Reconstruction: The procedure associated with the Harper Avery scandal.
Episode 16
Gelastic Seizures (Hypothalamic Hamartoma)
Noah
A child exhibiting uncontrollable laughing fits was diagnosed with Gelastic seizures caused by a hamartoma on the hypothalamus. The tumor was deemed inoperable due to its proximity to the brainstem, making him a candidate for the experimental ultrasound project.
Hepato-Duodenal Fistula
Marjorie Kersey
A former astronaut suffered blunt trauma leading to a fistula between the liver and duodenum. Attempts to embolize failed, requiring open repair.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Complicating a pregnancy with an incompetent cervix.
Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle breakdown following trauma.
Episode 17
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
Eli Rigler
A patient treated with antibiotics for diverticulitis developed Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a severe reaction where the skin detaches. Despite supportive care in the burn unit, the condition proved fatal.
Renal Vein Thrombosis
Dr. Nick Marsh
Transplant surgeon Dr. Marsh, recently post-kidney transplant himself, diagnosed his own renal vein thrombosis (clot). Dr. Grey performed an emergency embolectomy to save the kidney.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Diverticulitis: The underlying cause for antibiotic use.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Source of the clot.
Episode 18
Advanced Liver Failure
Ollie
Richard Webber’s AA sponsor presented with end-stage liver failure and cardiomyopathy. She refused further intervention (LVAD/Dialysis) and opted for palliative care.
Focused Ultrasound Ablation (Success vs. Palliative)
Noah & Kimmie
Noah successfully underwent the experimental ultrasound ablation for his brain tumor. However, Kimmie’s tumor was deemed too dangerous for the current capability of the technology. She transitioned to palliative chemo/radiation to buy time.
Medical Fraud (Malignant Misdiagnosis)
Dayna
A patient believed she had breast cancer. Dr. Hunt discovered she was being poisoned with chemotherapy by a fake doctor; she was actually cancer-free.
Episode 19
Pyloric Stenosis
Ruby
An infant with a congenital heart history presented with vomiting. Dr. Kepner correctly identified pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the stomach outlet), which was fixed with a simple surgery.
Coronary Artery Occlusions
Agent Fields
An ICE agent was found to have severe coronary occlusions requiring immediate catheterization.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Coarctation of the Aorta: The infant's underlying heart condition.
Episode 20
Gastric Adenocarcinoma (Path Pen Application)
Patient (Unspecified)
During the "weed cookie" incident, an intern had to take over a gastrectomy. The tumor appeared smaller than expected. Dr. Jo Wilson used the Path Pen—a mass spectrometer device—to identify clear margins in real-time, allowing for a subtotal gastrectomy rather than a total removal, saving the patient's stomach.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Septic Shock: Managed by interns during the attending shortage.
Rickets: Suspected in a foster baby.
Episode 21
Craniofacial Dysplasia
Diego
A young boy presented with a massive bony growth invading the orbit and airway. Dr. Grey advocated for a total resection and immediate bone graft rather than debulking, successfully removing the entire mass.
Opioid Use Disorder
Betty
Dr. Shepherd diagnosed a teenage mother with opioid addiction based on physical signs (constricted pupils, tracks). Treatment focused on detoxification and rehab.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Bronchospasm: Caused by a foreign object in the bronchus.
Episode 22
Fetal Spina Bifida Repair
Teresa Benson's Baby
A fetus was diagnosed with spina bifida with meningocele. The team performed an open fetal surgery, exteriorizing the uterus to repair the spinal defect while the baby remained inside. The mother suffered from Tomophobia (fear of surgery), complicating consent.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Traumatic Leg Injury: Requiring amputation.
Appendicitis: The root of the mother's phobia.
Episode 23
Severe Hypothermia and Cardiac Arrest
Dr. April Kepner
Found frozen in a ravine, Dr. Kepner presented with a core temp of 68°F and no pulse. The team followed the protocol: "You aren't dead until you're warm and dead."
Treatment: Bypass (ECMO) for rewarming, thoracic lavage, and interposed abdominal CPR. She was successfully resuscitated with no neurological deficits.
CSF Leak vs. Tumor Recurrence
Dr. Herman
Dr. Herman returned with symptoms mimicking her previous tumor. Diagnostic spinal tap revealed a buildup of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) (hydrocephalus), treated simply with a shunt.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Splenic Injury: Diagnosed in the driver involved in April's accident.
Smoke Inhalation: Mucosal swelling in burn victims.
Episode 24
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Mama (Mother of the Bride)
At a wedding, the mother of the bride collapsed. Dr. Bailey diagnosed a ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. She was rushed to surgery for a graft placement and survived.
Anaphylactic Shock
Ruby (Wedding Planner)
The planner developed severe anaphylaxis to shrimp. With no EpiPen available and the airway closing, the doctors performed an emergency cricothyrotomy using a kitchen knife and a pinwheel straw.
Other Medical Conditions Discussed
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): Active surgery mentioned in the finale.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Innovation is Key: Season 14 focused heavily on the "Path Pen" for cancer detection and Focused Ultrasound Ablation for brain tumors, highlighting the shift toward non-invasive surgery.
🗝️ Anatomy of a Transplant: The season featured rare transplant scenarios, including a total abdominal wall transplant and an orthotopic heart transplant complicated by size mismatch.
🗝️ Maternal Health: Several cases (HELLP syndrome, fetal spina bifida, mirror syndrome) highlighted high-stakes obstetrics and the dangers of missed diagnoses in pregnant women.
🗝️ Trauma Protocols: From "warm and dead" hypothermia protocols to battlefield vascular grafts, the season showcased distinct trauma management strategies.
🗝️ Diagnostic Accuracy: The show emphasized that symptoms like heartburn in women can be fatal heart attacks, and seemingly benign headaches can be fatal "second-impact" concussions.
Keywords: Grey's Anatomy Season 14
Grey's Anatomy Season 14
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