It's almost the end of 2024, and that can only mean one thing. That's a deep dive into some of the strangest medical cases that have made us gasp, wince, and groan in amazement this year.
Case studies are an important part of medicine. Because sometimes it is the first clue to a new discovery. But they are also an endless reminder that the human body can be weird and weird in all sorts of ways. Here are some of the more bizarre medical highlights published in scientific journals or making news in 2024.
The most vaccinated man in the world
in march scientists in Germany published A study shows one man claimed to have received more than 200 COVID-19 vaccinations over a two-year period. German authorities allege that the man originally continued to be vaccinated in order to preserve his vaccination card, which could be sold to others. Even though they ultimately refused to prosecute the fraud. By the time researchers contacted him He might actually prefer to vaccinate. He also chose to receive two additional vaccinations while studying.
Investigators found no signs that the man was harmed in any way by the mass vaccination. And some evidence has also been found that his immune system is better protected than average from the coronavirus. Perhaps the most interesting proof is that the man had no reported history of COVID-19 infection. That's rare in today's world, however, as the researchers wisely pointed out: You don't need more than 200 shots to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination. To get the most benefit Only a few people will do it.
lose your courage
Two cases of people baring their courage made waves this year.
in One case Published this May, a 63-year-old man sneezed and coughed with courage. Passing through the area of recent surgery involving the abdomen, the man's breakfast and shirt were damaged. But rescue workers were able to safely take him to the hospital. And he recovered without any problems. Other cases First published in September 2022, but only released online in January 2024, it concerns a 52-year-old woman whose Covid-induced cough caused her courage to burst out of the surgical repair site. old hernia She was admitted to the hospital. But her courage was also successfully restored.
Abdominal surgery is known to be a risk factor for aortic removal. But it's still hard to find. Still, I'm probably going to panic a little for the foreseeable future every time I feel like I'm sneezing.
Hairy situation
In case you were wondering, hairballs aren't just a problem for cats.
in july Surgeon from Ecuador Reported A 2-pound lump of hair was pulled from a woman's stomach. Doctors in Massachusetts report being able to self-medicate. In the case of hairballs Last November It involved a 16-year-old girl who had worsening abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms. for several weeks
These cases are examples of Rapunzel syndrome. This is a rare medical condition. The swallowed hairball is large enough to obstruct the stomach and small intestine. Rapunzel syndrome can be life-threatening. Although both cases were caught in time before this happened. This is most often caused by a psychological compulsion to pull and eat their own hair.
Samnee
in October Doctors in the UK Reported A medical miracle that doubles as a great bar story: Men without one or two penises. But there are three penises. Perhaps the most amazing detail about this case is that this man may have never known about his unique anatomy. The man's extra penis was inside his body. and his external penis appeared and functioned normally. Scientists discovered his condition only after his body was donated to science for cadaver research. This is the second recorded case of a person with three penises, a condition caused by triphallia, and the first in an adult male.
Furry Threat
As a cat parent I can attest to the many benefits of cat ownership. But sometimes these cats can cause medical distress.
For example, last May Doctors in Portugal give details about little girl's development Rare bone infection From a little kitten her family adopted. At the beginning of this February Health officials in Oregon Reported A woman in her 50s has a rare disease. It was likely contracted from her recently sick cat. In both cases The patient appears to have made a full recovery. Unfortunately, the Oregon woman's cat died from the infection.
These cases are stranger than most, though. But it's also an important reminder that cats are still animals and can be carriers of infectious diseases. If you are bitten and scratched by a cat Always should Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for five minutes (do not scrub). Clean with an antiseptic solution. and see a doctor if you experience symptoms of infection In the case of epidemics and other germs Both cats and the fleas they carry can spread it. Therefore, flea protection is also important.
Migraine from brain worms
It's the story of as many Florida men as possible: In March, doctors in the state Reported to a man who had been suffering from months of severe and frequent headaches caused by a parasite invading his brain: pork tapeworm (Taenia solium–
This symptom is officially called neurocysticercosis and is caused by tapeworm cysts These cysts are unable to grow into full adults. Instead, it moves to different parts of the body, including the brain. Their presence in the brain can sometimes trigger a harmful immune response. This can cause a number of neurological symptoms, such as seizures and migraines. In this case, a man may have contracted common tapeworms from eating undercooked bacon. Then became re-infected with cysts from not washing hands properly after going to the bathroom. The man was treated with steroids and antiparasitic drugs. which helped reduce his symptoms. Other Famous Brain Worm Survivor is thriving as well
bathroom problems
Some stories start out bad and get worse. in january doctors in canada explained A 70-year-old man was bitten into the toilet bowl by a rat. The man later contracted a life-threatening infection from the bite that sent him to the ICU. The rat gave the man bacterial leptospirosis. Which makes this case strange. This is because these bacteria are usually found in rat urine, not saliva, as far as doctors can tell. The rat may have contaminated its own mouth with bacteria-soaked urine before biting the man. Which is pure insult to injury if I've ever heard one. Fortunately, the man was successfully treated with antibiotics. But who knows if he'll be able to go to the bathroom again without feeling frightened?
Burnt Margarita
This is one reason why you should limit your daily intake. This December, Dr. details A strange case of plant dermatitis, also known as “citrus disease”, also known as 'Margarita burn' This man developed a rash and blisters on his hands the day after he squeezed his own lemon juice and spent the day watching football outside. Phytophotodermatitis It is caused by exposure to a type of chemical found in plants and fruits called furanocoumarins This is followed by exposure to ultraviolet rays. A Furocoumarins It is absorbed into the skin and becomes sensitive to UVA light, causing an inflammatory reaction that destroys skin cells.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment that can speed recovery from citrus disease (don't be confused). Lyme disease)—Victims must wait several days or weeks for symptoms to disappear on their own. The man was given steroid cream and moisturizer to relieve his symptoms. And his hand finally returned to normal.
wall of strangeness
Actually, I would like to explain in detail a strange medical case. that happened this year But we all have families to go back to. The following is a short poem. For some honorable mentions
That's the man you saw. The world is pink after reaching climax; woman who win blind (temporary luck) from using hair dye; at discovery or an autoimmune disease that prevents B vitamins from reaching your brain Two men who arrested a Serious fungal infection From the guano they use or plan to use as fertilizer for their homegrown cannabis. The woman who caught Parasitic pneumonia from eating deer meat and family reunions that people can catch. Parasitic worms from contaminated bear meat (Maybe people should stay away from game meat in general?)
The great eel escapes.
Few cases have ever haunted us at Gizmodo like the following.
in july Doctors in Vietnam Reported A 2-foot (61-centimeter) eel was pulled from a man's intestines after he inserted it into his butt. Although not before the eel started chewing on his guts.
This man visited the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. When you get there He told the doctor that he was willing to push the eel into his rectum. Although he declined to give a specific reason why. (This is often true in these cases. (Though it might have something to do with sex.) He made his situation worse by pushing the lemon upstairs as well. This seemed to cause the eel to remain in its place. However, this crafty passenger did not cooperate. By the time the doctors performed surgery on the man, The eel bit into his abdomen and then into his abdomen. This man survived an inappropriate experiment. Even if part of the large intestine is not lost.
Surprisingly, this is really The second case of corn bottom Reports from doctors in Vietnam this year Although the other case is a shorter eel, measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm).
We hope nothing in 2025 comes close to matching the confusing weirdness of these two events. Eh, who am I kidding: the weirder the better.