Leticia Paul, a vibrant 22-year-old law graduate from Lontras, Brazil, has tragically passed away under harrowing circumstances less than 24 hours after undergoing a routine CT scan. This medical procedure, which she had previously undergone without any complications, resulted in a catastrophic outcome this time around, as it triggered a lethal allergic reaction. The shocking incident has left her family devastated and the community in mourning, prompting local authorities to initiate an investigation into the hospital's conduct and the rare medical occurrence that claimed her life.
According to Leticia's aunt, Sandra Paul, her niece visited the Alto Vale Regional Hospital in Rio do Sul for what was supposed to be a standard check-up on August 20. Leticia had a history of kidney stones that necessitated regular medical evaluations. However, what followed was anything but routine.
After being injected with contrast dye during the CT scan, Leticia experienced severe symptoms almost immediately, entering a state of anaphylactic shock. This life-threatening condition can cause a range of dangerous symptoms, including airway swelling, sudden drops in blood pressure, gastrointestinal distress, and neurological issues. Despite the medical team's desperate attempts to intubate her, it was too late. Leticia succumbed to her injuries the following day, August 21.
The sudden loss of Leticia has devastated her family and friends. Described as an ambitious young woman with a promising future, she had recently earned her law degree and was pursuing postgraduate studies in both law and real estate, eager to make her mark in Brazil’s legal community. “She was a vibrant girl with a strong personality. She loved studying law and was incredibly dedicated,” Sandra shared with local media. “She dreamed big, and I’m sure she would’ve made a name for herself in the legal world.”
In the wake of this tragedy, local police have initiated a formal investigation. They have requested Leticia’s complete medical records and are interviewing witnesses and hospital personnel to determine if negligence or preventable errors contributed to her untimely passing. Anaphylactic shock is recognized as a rare complication in contrast-enhanced imaging. Although Leticia had undergone CT scans in the past, it remains unclear if she had been exposed to contrast dye previously.
The Civil Police of Santa Catarina are focused on reconstructing the events surrounding Leticia’s CT scan, assessing whether standard emergency protocols were properly followed, and evaluating the speed of the medical staff's response when she exhibited signs of distress. The hospital has publicly stated its commitment to ethics and patient safety, asserting that all procedures were executed in accordance with recommended clinical protocols.
For Leticia’s family, the hospital’s assurances provide little comfort. Medical professionals have labeled the incident as an extremely rare occurrence, with allergists noting that anaphylactic reactions triggered by contrast dye occur in fewer than 0.01% of imaging exams. Dr. Jane da Silva, an allergist and immunologist from the Federal University of Santa Catarina Hospital, emphasized that most individuals undergo these exams without complications. “What’s left now is to conduct an investigation with the help of an allergist, who will seek to determine whether there was indeed a reaction to the radiocontrast, or the product utilized,” she explained.
In the meantime, Leticia’s loved ones have had the opportunity to say their goodbyes and remember her as a kind, passionate woman who enjoyed playing beach tennis and listening to music. Following her wake, her body was cremated at the Vatican Crematorium in Balneário Camboriú. “There needs to be justice. Not just for Leticia, but to ensure this doesn’t happen to another family ever again,” Sandra lamented, emphasizing the need for accountability in this tragic case.
As the investigation continues, many in the community believe that Leticia’s passing may have resulted from gross negligence, igniting discussions about patient safety and the importance of adhering to medical protocols during procedures.
