Leticia Paul , a 22-year-old lawyer from Brazil who had a history of kidney stones, underwent a routine CT scan with a contrast agent on 20 August 2025 at Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul. During the procedure, she suffered a severe allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock , that led to her being intubated and rushed into emergency care. Despite medical efforts, she passed away less than 24 hours later.
As per The Independent, she developed reaction to the contrast agent used in the CT scan. "Paul was intubated and medical staff performed life-saving measures, but the young lawyer, who lived in Lontras, Brazil, died less than 24 hours later," the media reported.
What is anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock, often just called anaphylaxis, is a really serious allergic reaction that can come on suddenly and get dangerous very quickly. Unlike a mild allergy—like a runny nose from pollen or a little itch after eating certain foods—anaphylaxis affects your whole body at once. It happens when your immune system goes into overdrive after being exposed to something it sees as harmful, like peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, certain medications, or even contrast dyes used in medical scans.
When this reaction kicks in, your body releases a flood of chemicals, such as histamine, which cause your blood vessels to widen and your airways to tighten. That’s why people can suddenly feel their throat closing, start wheezing, get hives, feel dizzy, or even faint. Because blood pressure can drop sharply and breathing can become difficult, it’s considered a medical emergency. Without quick treatment, usually with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection, anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening.
The scary part is how fast it can develop, sometimes within seconds or minutes of contact with the trigger. Common symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; chest tightness; rapid heartbeat; nausea; and confusion. Some people may collapse or lose consciousness if blood pressure drops too low.
A contrast agent, sometimes called contrast dye, is a special substance used during CT scans to make certain tissues, blood vessels, and organs easier to see. It works by highlighting specific areas inside the body, improving the clarity of the images so doctors can detect problems like blockages, tumors, or internal bleeding more accurately. For example, contrast can help distinguish between healthy tissue and abnormal growths or show how blood flows through arteries and veins.
Contrast agents are usually iodine-based and can be given by injection into a vein, by mouth, or occasionally as an enema, depending on the type of scan. Most people tolerate them well, but side effects can occur. Mild reactions may include a warm sensation, metallic taste, or nausea. However, in rare cases, contrast agents can trigger allergic reactions ranging from hives and itching to more severe responses like anaphylaxis, which causes difficulty breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
As per The Independent, she developed reaction to the contrast agent used in the CT scan. "Paul was intubated and medical staff performed life-saving measures, but the young lawyer, who lived in Lontras, Brazil, died less than 24 hours later," the media reported.
What is anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock, often just called anaphylaxis, is a really serious allergic reaction that can come on suddenly and get dangerous very quickly. Unlike a mild allergy—like a runny nose from pollen or a little itch after eating certain foods—anaphylaxis affects your whole body at once. It happens when your immune system goes into overdrive after being exposed to something it sees as harmful, like peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, certain medications, or even contrast dyes used in medical scans.
When this reaction kicks in, your body releases a flood of chemicals, such as histamine, which cause your blood vessels to widen and your airways to tighten. That’s why people can suddenly feel their throat closing, start wheezing, get hives, feel dizzy, or even faint. Because blood pressure can drop sharply and breathing can become difficult, it’s considered a medical emergency. Without quick treatment, usually with an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection, anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening.
The scary part is how fast it can develop, sometimes within seconds or minutes of contact with the trigger. Common symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; chest tightness; rapid heartbeat; nausea; and confusion. Some people may collapse or lose consciousness if blood pressure drops too low.
A contrast agent, sometimes called contrast dye, is a special substance used during CT scans to make certain tissues, blood vessels, and organs easier to see. It works by highlighting specific areas inside the body, improving the clarity of the images so doctors can detect problems like blockages, tumors, or internal bleeding more accurately. For example, contrast can help distinguish between healthy tissue and abnormal growths or show how blood flows through arteries and veins.
Contrast agents are usually iodine-based and can be given by injection into a vein, by mouth, or occasionally as an enema, depending on the type of scan. Most people tolerate them well, but side effects can occur. Mild reactions may include a warm sensation, metallic taste, or nausea. However, in rare cases, contrast agents can trigger allergic reactions ranging from hives and itching to more severe responses like anaphylaxis, which causes difficulty breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
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