Patient Case Studies
Case 1:
A 55-year-old man presents with the following symptoms:
- High fever and chills
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
- Confusion and disorientation
- Low blood pressure and dizziness when standing
Additional notes: The patient has a history of a recent surgery to remove an infected gallbladder. Blood cultures are positive for bacterial growth.
| Blood Test | Result | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 18,000 cells/mcL | 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | 50 mg/L | 0-10 mg/L |
| Lactate | 4.5 mmol/L | 0.5-2.2 mmol/L |
| Procalcitonin | 10 ng/mL | < 0.1 ng/mL |
Case 2:
A 45-year-old woman presents with the following symptoms:
- Severe weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath, particularly when lying down
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- Pale, clammy skin
Additional notes: She reports that she recently had a urinary tract infection that was treated with antibiotics, but her symptoms have worsened. Blood pressure is critically low.
| Blood Test | Result | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 20,500 cells/mcL | 4,000-11,000 cells/mcL |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | 75 mg/L | 0-10 mg/L |
| Lactate | 5.2 mmol/L | 0.5-2.2 mmol/L |
| Procalcitonin | 15 ng/mL | < 0.1 ng/mL |
Question: Based on the provided symptoms, patient histories, and blood test results, what is the most likely diagnosis?
About the Author
Reyus Mammadli is the author of this health blog since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, he has over 15 years of experience working with medical literature and expert guidelines from WHO, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and others. His goal is to present clear, accurate health information for everyday readers — not as a substitute for medical advice.
