Tragedy occurred when a young woman with food allergies was having a CT Scan involving a dye

injection for kidney stone detection. While a severe reaction is rare the dye injection can cause tragic

outcomes for the allergy population. Guidelines must be examined and monitored to ensure maximum

safety. Snack Safely has provided this important story.

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Food Allergy AdvocacyNews Coverage

22-Year-Old Woman Dies After Anaphylactic Shock from Contrast Agent: What to Know

ByDave Bloom

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2025/08/25

62

Leticia Paul, CT Scanner
Leticia Paul, CT Scanner

[Trigger Warning]

Leticia Paul, a 22-year-old law school graduate with a history of allergies, died after going into anaphylactic shock during a CT scan. The reaction was triggered by a contrast agent — a dye used to enhance image clarity — while she was being examined for kidney stones she had previously experienced.

Paul, who had a history of allergies to peanuts, shellfish, pollen, and bee stings, had often dismissed her sensitivities as minor health issues, but this time it was a severe allergic reaction that took her life.

The incident took place at Alto Vale Regional Hospital. Soon after the contrast agent was injected, Paul went into anaphylactic shock, a rare but life-threatening reaction to the dye. The medical team responded quickly, intubating her and moving her to intensive care, but she died from the complications within 24 hours. Her death emphasizes the deadly risks linked to allergies, especially in a medical environment.

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Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can overwhelm the body in minutes, caused by the immune system releasing a surge of chemicals like histamine in response to an allergen. This release causes blood vessels to expand and airways to narrow, resulting in symptoms such as throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Contrast agents are iodine-based liquids used in imaging tests to enhance the visibility of internal structures. While most patients only experience mild side effects such as a warm sensation or a metallic taste, some, in rare cases, can have a severe allergic reaction. Hospitals are usually prepared for this risk by keeping emergency medications available whenever contrast agents are administered.

It’s a common misconception that a specific allergy to shellfish or iodine increases the risk of a reaction to contrast agents more than other types of allergies. This belief stems from the fact that both shellfish and contrast media contain iodine, but medical research has shown that iodine is not the allergen in these reactions. Proteins, not the iodine itself, cause allergies to shellfish.

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Instead, the increased risk is related to a general predisposition to allergies, also known as atopy. People with atopic conditions, such as food allergies, asthma, or hay fever, are statistically more likely to experience an adverse reaction to contrast media than the general population. While reactions to contrast media are extremely rare, it is a factor that doctors consider.

The only treatment that can halt and reverse the progression of anaphylaxis is epinephrine, which works by quickly opening the airways and stabilizing blood pressure. Doctors stress the importance of quick action, as symptoms can appear within seconds to minutes, and a delay in treatment can lead to irreversible collapse of vital functions. People with known risks of anaphylaxis should always carry two doses of epinephrine with them everywhere they go.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Paul family for their devastating and unforeseen loss.

Leticia Paul’s death serves as a reminder that a history of allergies must always be taken seriously. Health experts stress the importance of informing doctors about all known allergies before any medical test or treatment, keeping medication handy, and never ignoring the early warning signs of a reaction.

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