A 22-year-old law graduate has died after suffering a severe allergic reaction during a CT scan.
Leticia Paul, from Rio do Sul, Brazil, was undergoing a routine check-up for kidney stones when she experienced a reaction to a contrast agent, a special dye commonly used in CT and MRI scans to make organs and tissues more visible.
According to g1, Leticia had already earned her law degree and was pursuing postgraduate studies in Law and Real Estate Business.
She was laid to rest on Thursday at Casa Mortuária Jardim Primavera in Rio do Sul before being transported to Crematório Vaticano in Balneário Camboriú, the Mirror reported.
Her aunt, Sandra Paul, told g1:
“She was a vibrant girl, with a lot of personality. She loved law, she was so studious. She dreamed big, and I’m sure she would be a well-known name in the legal world.”
Hospital Regional Alto Vale, where she underwent the scan, issued a statement:
“We regret this loss and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family. We reaffirm our commitment to ethics, transparency, and patient safety, emphasising that all procedures are conducted in accordance with recommended clinical protocols.”
Iodinated contrast dye is widely used in medical imaging and is generally considered safe. However, in rare cases it can trigger severe allergic reactions. Medical studies estimate that such severe reactions occur in roughly one in 5,000 to one in 10,000 scans. While most patients may only experience mild symptoms—such as warmth, nausea, or itching—some cases can prove life-threatening even with immediate medical intervention.
This tragic case follows another similar incident in the UK. Yvonne Graham, 66, died after a suspected allergic reaction to contrast dye during a CT scan at Northampton General Hospital. Graham, who had stage three kidney disease, went into cardiac arrest shortly after the dye was administered. Her daughter later suggested that an EpiPen in the scan room could have saved her life.
The NHS advises patients to inform hospitals if they have kidney or thyroid issues prior to undergoing scans that involve contrast dye. The National Kidney Foundation also warns that the use of contrast dye can occasionally worsen kidney problems in vulnerable patients.
According to the NHS UK:
“Complications of a CT scan are rare. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the contrast medium [dye]. This can cause weakness, sweating and difficulty breathing.”
There are also two rare kidney-related conditions associated with contrast dyes: Contrast Induced Nephropathy (CIN) and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF).
CIN occurs when kidney function sharply declines after exposure to certain contrast dyes, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Symptoms often mimic kidney disease, such as fatigue, swelling, and poor appetite. In most cases, CIN is reversible, but in others, it can lead to serious complications involving the heart and blood vessels. Risk factors include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.
NSF is an uncommon but serious disorder linked to gadolinium-based contrast dyes used in MRIs. It mainly affects patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, and can cause skin thickening, burning, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness. The disease is rare but potentially fatal.
While contrast dyes remain vital tools in modern medicine, these rare cases highlight the importance of careful screening and preparation for patients at higher risk.
