Yvonne Graham, a 66-year-old retired butcher, tragically passed away following a suspected allergic reaction to contrast dye administered before a CT scan at Northampton General Hospital. She had been experiencing bloating and was referred for the scan by her GP. Yvonne’s daughter, Yolanda, believes the dye should not have been given due to her mother’s stage three kidney disease, a condition known to potentially complicate the use of such dyes. Yolanda also expressed concern over the apparent absence of an EpiPen in the scan room, questioning the hospital’s preparedness for such emergencies. The NHS advises patients with kidney or thyroid issues to inform their hospital prior to scans involving contrast media.
Contrast dyes, utilized to enhance imaging in CT scans and MRIs, can sometimes pose risks to kidney function, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, as highlighted by the National Kidney Foundation. Yolanda described the suddenness of her mother’s decline, recounting how she heard Yvonne make a heaving sound, followed by a doctor emerging to inquire about her medical history. She criticized what she perceived as a lack of proper protocol, suggesting that Yvonne’s medical records should have been reviewed prior to the dye injection and emphasizing the need for readily available emergency equipment. Prior to the scan, Yvonne had been in seemingly good health, anticipating upcoming holidays and family outings.
According to Yolanda, the hospital claimed to have reviewed a risk assessment form with Yvonne and obtained her signature shortly before the procedure. However, Yolanda disputed the feasibility of this given the rapid onset of the reaction. She described witnessing a crash team rush into the scan room moments after her mother entered. The autopsy report indicated that Yvonne was placed on a ventilator but life support was withdrawn after her pulse ceased. The report attributed the cardiac arrest to a suspected anaphylactic reaction to the contrast dye, though a definitive tryptase test, which measures markers released during allergic reactions, was reportedly requested but not performed.
The autopsy report acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the precise cause of the cardiac arrest, but strongly suggested anaphylaxis as the most probable explanation. It also highlighted the unfortunate omission of a timely tryptase test, which could have provided more conclusive evidence of an allergic reaction. Yolanda expressed her frustration over the incident, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of the potential risks associated with contrast dyes. She further criticized the hospital’s communication, citing a ten-month delay in receiving a statement about the events leading to her mother’s death.
The NHS website acknowledges the rare possibility of allergic reactions to contrast media, listing symptoms such as weakness, sweating, and breathing difficulties. It also provides general guidelines for patients undergoing CT scans, including dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and the importance of disclosing any pre-existing conditions or allergies, including previous reactions to contrast medium. This information underscores the need for careful pre-scan assessments and informed consent procedures.
In response to the incident, Julie Hogg, chief nurse at the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, offered condolences to Yvonne’s family and acknowledged shortcomings in communication. She stated that the hospital had cooperated with the coroner’s investigation and apologized for any additional distress caused by their communication delays. The hospital also offered support to the family and pledged to keep them informed of developments. The Northamptonshire coroner has indicated that an inquest date will be set soon, promising a more thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Yvonne’s death.
