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Leticia Paul, a 22-year-old Brazilian law graduate, died after undergoing a routine CT scan at Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul, Brazil. She suffered an anaphylactic shock from the contrast dye, which caused swelling, breathing difficulties, and a critical drop in blood pressure. Despite being intubated, she passed away within 24 hours.
On August 20, 2025, Leticia Paul, a 22-year-old Brazilian law graduate with a promising career, underwent a routine CT scan at Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul, Brazil, due to a history of kidney stones. Tragically, she experienced a severe allergic reaction that is anaphylactic shock after receiving the contrast dye, leading to rapid swelling, breathing difficulties, and a critical drop in blood pressure. Despite medical intervention, including intubation, Leticia passed away within 24 hours.
The hospital issued a statement to G1, expressing condolences and affirming that all procedures followed recommended clinical protocols, emphasizing their commitment to ethics, transparency, and patient safety.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, acute hypersensitivity reaction affecting multiple body systems, often triggered by allergens like iodinated contrast dye used in CT scans. It typically involves IgE-mediated degranulation of mast cells and basophils, releasing histamine, tryptase, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, causing symptoms like throat tightness, hives, nausea, and hypotension. [1] These mediators increase vascular permeability, induce bronchoconstriction, and lead to tissue hypoperfusion, potentially causing respiratory collapse or death without prompt epinephrine and oxygen. Common triggers include medications, foods (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), insect stings, and latex, though some cases are idiopathic. Severe reactions to contrast dyes are rare, occurring in 0.01% to 0.02% of cases, or 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 administrations (Radiology, 2019).
Anaphylaxis affects 1%–3% of the global population, with rising incidence in developed countries.
This case also echoes an incident of March,2024 involving Leigh Rodgers, a 34-year-old mother from County Durham, England. During a CT scan to investigate a dental infection, Leigh suffered fatal anaphylactic shock within seconds of receiving the contrast dye and died within 90 minutes. Her mother criticized the hospital for inadequate risk communication, highlighting the need for better patient education and preparedness.
(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)
