A routine medical test ended in tragedy for 22-year-old Leticia Paul at Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul, Brazil. She died on August 20 after a sudden and severe allergic reaction during a CT scan. She had a history of allergies to peanuts, shellfish, pollen, and bee stings, but had always considered them minor. This time, however, things went horribly wrong. During a CT scan at Alto Vale Regional Hospital, she was given a contrast dye, a substance that helps doctors see blood vessels and organs more clearly. Almost immediately, her body went into anaphylactic shock, a sudden and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Doctors acted quickly, intubating her and moving her to the intensive care unit. Despite their best efforts, Leticia passed away within 24 hours.
What Is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated immediately. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the condition occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, releasing chemicals that cause the airways to constrict, blood pressure to drop, and other symptoms that can lead to shock. Common signs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, hives, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and dizziness.
Anaphylaxis can develop within minutes of exposure to the trigger, which makes rapid medical intervention critical. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that epinephrine is the first-line treatment, administered through an auto-injector or intravenously in a hospital setting, followed by oxygen therapy and supportive care.
How contrast agents can trigger reactions
Contrast agents, also known as contrast dyes, are routinely used during CT scans and MRI scans to improve imaging clarity. While generally safe, they can rarely trigger allergic reactions in some patients. According to the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), reactions can range from mild itching and rash to severe anaphylaxis. Risk factors include a history of previous allergic reactions, asthma, or multiple food and drug allergies, as was the case with Leticia Paul.
The reaction occurs because the immune system identifies components of the dye as harmful, releasing histamines and other chemicals that lead to swelling, airway constriction, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. In rare cases, these reactions can become rapidly fatal, even with immediate medical care.
Emergency response and treatment
Quick recognition and treatment are crucial in cases of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), doctors follow several key steps to save lives.
The first and most important treatment is the immediate injection of epinephrine, which can quickly open airways and raise blood pressure. If the patient is having trouble breathing, doctors may perform intubation, as was done in Leticia Paul’s case. Oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids are also given to support circulation. Patients are then monitored closely in an intensive care unit to prevent complications such as cardiac arrest or organ failure.
Health experts explain that patients should inform medical staff about any known allergies before undergoing scans or other procedures. In some high-risk cases, doctors may give antihistamines or corticosteroids before to reduce the chances of a severe reaction.
According to the American College of Radiology, severe reactions occur in less than 0.01 percent of all contrast-enhanced imaging procedures, but they can be fatal when they do occur.