El terrorífico misterio de la dama tóxica (Caso Real) - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the "Toxic Lady" medical mystery:

**Case:** Gloria Ramírez, a 31-year-old woman with cervical cancer
**Incident:** February 19, 1994, at Riverside Medical Center, California
**Key Events:**

* Ramírez was admitted with bradycardia, exhibiting a strange, oily substance on her skin
* During treatment, medical staff noticed a strong, ammonia-like smell
* Drawing blood revealed yellowish particles; shortly after, several staff members fainted
* The hospital was evacuated due to the unknown toxin; Ramírez died alone in the operating room

**Aftermath:**

* Autopsy revealed death was due to kidney failure and cervical cancer, not the mysterious toxin
* Affected staff spent days in intensive care; one doctor developed hepatitis and bone necrosis
* The cause of the toxin remains unknown; a disputed theory involves a reaction between Ramírez's medication and oxygen

**Legacy:** The "Toxic Lady" case is considered one of the greatest unsolved medical mysteries, 100% verified as true.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:

1. **Incident Date and Location**: The incident occurred on February 19, 1994, in Riverside, California, United States.
2. **Patient Information**: The patient, Gloria Ramírez, was 31 years old and suffered from cervical cancer.
3. **Initial Medical Issue**: Gloria Ramírez was taken to the emergency room due to a severe attack of bradycardia (a cardiac disorder with a heart rate below 60 beats per minute).
4. **Unusual Physical Condition**: Upon examination, medical personnel found Gloria Ramírez covered in a viscous, oil-like substance.
5. **No Prior Indication of the Condition**: The ambulance nurses reported no unusual incidents or conditions prior to arrival at the hospital.
6. **Medical Procedure Incident**: During treatment, a nurse noticed yellowish particles floating in the blood sample, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant smell (later identified as similar to ammonia).
7. **Immediate Consequences**:
* Nurse Susan Came collapsed.
* Dr. Julie Gorch (referred to in a correcting context as possibly "Dr. Gorkys" in later parts) experienced intense burning in her face and symptoms of apnea.
* Four others in the emergency room fainted.
8. **Hospital Response**: The alarm was sounded, and patients in the area were evacuated, with medical staff wearing masks.
9. **Outcome for Gloria Ramírez**: She died alone in the operating room.
10. **Aftermath for Medical Staff**:
* Several staff members spent days in intensive care.
* Dr. Gorkys suffered from hepatitis and bone necrosis.
11. **Autopsy Findings**: The cause of Gloria Ramírez's death was attributed to kidney failure, related to her cervical cancer, not to the mysterious substances or smells.
12. **Theorized Explanation**: A theory (not widely accepted) suggests a reaction between her medication (ethylene oxide) and oxygen, possibly exacerbated by defibrillator shocks, produced a toxic gas.
13. **Legacy of the Incident**: The case is known as "The Toxic Lady" and is considered one of the greatest unsolved medical mysteries.