Leigh Rodgers, 34, died from an allergic reaction to a contrast dye used in a CT scan, prompting calls for better patient communication regarding medical procedures.
A woman named Leigh Rodgers, aged 34, tragically died from an allergic reaction to a contrast dye used during a CT scan, shortly after being admitted to hospital with severe toothache. The incident occurred on 7 March 2024, when Leigh, who was employed as a kitchen designer at B&Q and was a mother to a nine-year-old daughter, presented at the University Hospital of North Durham following two weeks of debilitating tooth pain that extended to her neck and chest.
Upon her admission, medical staff evaluated Leigh for a potential tooth abscess and conducted a CT scan to rule out Ludwig’s angina, a serious condition that can arise from dental infections. The scan ultimately found no signs of Ludwig’s angina, according to the inquest, which took place on 19 February 2025. However, during the procedure, Leigh suffered an uncommon allergic reaction to the iodine-based contrast media used, resulting in anaphylactic shock. Efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful, and she passed away within an hour and a half of the scan.
Her mother, Pam Rodgers, 56, expressed her belief that if Leigh had been able to secure a dental appointment sooner, her life could have been spared, as the CT scan may have been unnecessary. “Every time I close my eyes, I imagine my daughter in the coffin. If she could’ve gotten a dental appointment, she wouldn’t be dead,” Pam stated, speaking to the local news outlet. “I’ve been trying to raise awareness about the risks of contrast media and issues with the NHS.”
The inquest also featured testimony from Leigh’s partner, Darren, who recounted her struggle to obtain a dental appointment prior to her hospital visit, highlighting delays that possibly contributed to her tragic fate. Pam further asserted that the risks associated with the CT scan and the contrast media were not adequately communicated to Leigh, arguing that there should have been better informed consent practices. She called for greater transparency and information-sharing regarding medical procedures within the healthcare system.
Senior assistant coroner Crispin Oliver concluded that Leigh’s death was directly linked to the allergic reaction to the contrast dye given during the CT scan. The NHS Direct indicates that though complications from CT scans are rare, allergic reactions to contrast media can and do occur, sometimes resulting in severe consequences.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust expressed deep condolences to Leigh’s family and confirmed that an investigation into her care had been conducted. The Trust asserted their commitment to high standards of patient care and indicated that the lessons learned from Leigh’s case would be integrated into their service provision to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/19/mother-died-rare-allergic-reaction-hospital-with-toothache/ – This article corroborates the details of Leigh Rodgers’ death due to an allergic reaction to a contrast dye during a CT scan for a toothache. It also mentions her struggle to secure a dental appointment and the inquest findings.
- https://www.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/woman-undergoes-ct-scan-after-tooth-ache-days-after-she-dies/articleshow/118545686.cms – This article supports the information about Leigh Rodgers’ death following a severe allergic reaction to iodine-based contrast dye during a CT scan after experiencing persistent tooth pain.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source is mentioned as the original article’s source, though it does not provide independent corroboration. However, it is the base from which the details about Leigh Rodgers’ case are derived.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ct-scan/ – This NHS webpage provides general information about CT scans, including the use of contrast media and potential risks, which aligns with the complications Leigh Rodgers experienced.
- https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m2411 – This medical journal article discusses the risks associated with contrast media in imaging procedures, supporting the notion that allergic reactions can occur, as seen in Leigh Rodgers’ case.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The incident occurred on 7 March 2024, and the inquest took place on 19 February 2025. The narrative appears to be relatively recent, but there is no indication of repeated content from older articles or press releases.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quote from Pam Rodgers appears to be original and specific to this narrative. There is no earlier known reference to this exact quote online.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a local news outlet, which generally provides reliable local news but may not have the same level of scrutiny as larger, national publications.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the allergic reaction and the circumstances surrounding Leigh Rodgers’ death are plausible and supported by the context of a medical inquest.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and based on a real incident, with plausible claims supported by an inquest. The quotes seem original, and while the source is local, it is generally reliable for such news.
