Several media outlets report that 22-year-old Leticia Paul died from sudden anaphylactic shock following a CT scan with contrast agent at a hospital in Brazil.
Healthcare professionals immediately intubated her and move her to the ICU. She succumbed within 24 hours.
Reports state she had previously undergone scans because of a history of kidney stones but this was apparently her first scan with contrast agent.
It is also reported that she had a history of allergies to peanuts, shellfish, pollen and bee stings.
The Mayo Clinic website states: “Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings.
Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.
Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don’t have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can be fatal.”
