Finding into death of Peta Hickey

43y · Female·Multisystem organ failure and hypoxic/ischaemic encephalopathy following anaphylactic reaction to CT contrast medium

Peta Hickey, a 43-year-old company executive with no cardiac history, died from anaphylaxis to CT coronary angiogram contrast after her employer commissioned an inappropriate screening program. The referral lacked clinical indication and was signed by a doctor who had never examined her. The radiologist proceeded without adequate investigation. When anaphylaxis occurred, the radiologist failed to recognise it and did not administer adrenaline—the life-saving treatment. No procedural errors by ambulance services. Critical lessons: contrast-based procedures require proper medical assessment before referral; radiologists must reject invalid referrals; anaphylaxis must be recognised immediately and treated with IM adrenaline without delay; private medical businesses motivated by profit prioritised throughput over patient safety.