A 34-year-old woman died after an allergic reaction to contrast dye during a CT scan, highlighting issues surrounding dental care access and patient safety.
A 34-year-old woman, Leigh Rodgers, passed away following an allergic reaction to a contrast dye during a CT scan after being taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for severe toothache. Leigh, a kitchen designer at B&Q and resident of Stanhope, Co. Durham, had been experiencing tooth pain that radiated to her neck and chest for approximately two weeks. Her condition prompted her family to call for an ambulance on March 7, 2024, after she was unable to secure a dental appointment due to longstanding NHS waiting times and backlogs.
Upon her arrival at the hospital, she was assessed for a potential tooth abscess and underwent a CT scan to rule out Ludwig’s angina, a serious bacterial infection. The scan revealed no evidence of Ludwig’s angina, yet the use of iodine-based contrast media during the procedure led to a fatal allergic reaction. Tragically, Leigh succumbed just 90 minutes after the scan.
An inquest conducted on February 19, 2025, was informed by her mother, Pam Rodgers, 56, that she believes her daughter’s death could have been averted had Leigh received dental care in a timely manner. “Every time I close my eyes I imagine my daughter in the coffin,” Pam recounted, expressing grief and frustration over the circumstances. She stated, “If she could’ve got a dental appointment, she wouldn’t be dead, and if she could’ve got urgent care she wouldn’t have been dead.”
Leigh’s partner, Darren, corroborated Pam’s account, highlighting that Leigh had attempted to secure a dentist appointment for weeks without success. The inquest further revealed that risks associated with the CT scan procedure were not adequately communicated to Leigh, with Pam asserting there was no informed consent received regarding the contrast dye used.
During the inquest at Crook Coroners’ Court, Senior Assistant Coroner Crispin Oliver confirmed that Leigh’s death resulted from the anaphylactic shock triggered by the contrast media. Despite attempts to revive her, the medical team could not save her life following the reaction.
Pam expressed her dissatisfaction with how the risks of the CT scan were conveyed, criticising the medical staff for failing to provide adequate information about potential complications. She suggested that there should be clearer communication protocols, including the distribution of informational materials to patients undergoing such procedures.
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust extended condolences to Leigh’s family and affirmed their commitment to improving patient care. “We are deeply saddened by Leigh’s death, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this incredibly difficult time,” the representative stated. They also mentioned that a thorough investigation into Leigh’s case has been conducted, with findings shared with her family and steps being taken to ensure that lessons learned from this incident are integrated across the Trust’s services.
The inquest has shone a light on the potential risks associated with the use of contrast media in medical imaging, as outlined in guidance from NHS Direct, which notes that while complications from CT scans are rare, allergic reactions to the contrast material can occur, resulting in serious health consequences.
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 contrast dye during a CT scan, including her background and the circumstances leading to her hospitalization.
- https://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/woman-undergoes-ct-scan-after-tooth-ache-days-after-she-dies/articleshow/118545686.cms – This report confirms Leigh Rodgers’ tragic death following a severe allergic reaction to iodine-based contrast dye used in a CT scan after experiencing persistent toothache.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ct-scan/ – This NHS webpage provides information on CT scans, including the potential risks associated with contrast media, which aligns with the complications Leigh Rodgers faced.
- https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/nhs-services-dental/ – This NHS resource explains dental services and waiting times, which is relevant to Leigh Rodgers’ difficulty in securing a dental appointment.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/nhs-england – This government webpage provides general information about NHS services and policies, which can be related to the broader context of Leigh Rodgers’ case, including NHS waiting times and patient care.
- https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ – This is the official website of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which is relevant to the investigation and response following Leigh Rodgers’ death.
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:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes recent events, such as an inquest on February 19, 2025, indicating it is relatively fresh. However, it references past events from March 2024.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Pam Rodgers and a spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust are included. While these quotes appear original to this context, they could not be verified as the first use.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Irish Mirror, a known publication, but not as highly regarded for in-depth investigative journalism as some other major outlets like the BBC or Financial Times.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about an allergic reaction to contrast dye during a CT scan are plausible and supported by medical knowledge. The narrative also highlights issues with NHS waiting times, which are consistent with current challenges faced by the NHS.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on recent events and includes plausible claims about medical procedures and NHS challenges. While the source is not the most prestigious, it is still a known publication. Quotes seem original to this context but lack external verification.
