The death of a 24-year-old could have been prevented if doctors had diagnosed and treated her rare condition.
Chloe May Lumb, who suffered from an aortic dissection, died at her home on Greenlands Road in Redcar on January 8, 2021.
Aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery.
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The mother-of-two sought medical help after feeling unwell and developing jaw and neck pain, reports TeessideLive.
Blood tests and a chest x-ray were taken at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on January 4.
James Cook University Hospital
(Image: Abendblatt)
But only a few days later Mrs. Lumb would be dead.
An inquest at Teesside Coroners’ Court on Friday February 11 was heard there were several missed opportunities which could have prevented her untimely death.
At the hospital, Teessider received a CT scan when she should have received an EKG-guided CT scan.
The court also heard she should have been seen by other experienced doctors as the problem went undiagnosed despite the problem shown on the scan.
Delays also meant other staff didn’t see the scan results and doctors said she presented well and discharged the young woman.
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James Cook’s cardiologist, Dr. Andrew Sutton told the inquest that he believed she would still be alive if properly diagnosed.
After her hospital visit, Ms. Lumb called the emergency room the next day and reported that her pain had not gone away.
Staff told her to call her GP, who then prescribed pain medication. Three days later, she collapsed in her home and died.
Had Ms. Lumb undergone corrective surgery, her death could have been prevented.
The Trust conducted an internal investigation and Dr. Sutton told the inquiry that significant changes have been made since then.
This includes new policies, extensive training, and new scan review rules.
A spokesman for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our condolences go out to Chloe’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“We conducted a detailed review of Chloe’s care after her death, identified areas of learning and took action to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
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“We have already shared the learnings and actions taken with regional colleagues in the Northeast to raise awareness of the diagnosis of aortic dissection.
“Following today’s investigation, we will share these findings with national societies and bodies.
“Aortic dissection is a rare but tragic cause of sudden death in patients of all ages and is often associated with genetic disorders, and our clinicians are working closely with the Northern Genetics Service to provide screening for affected families.
“The Marfan Trust and Aortic Dissection Awareness UK provide information, support and advice for vulnerable and affected people.”
Coroner Welsh recorded a narrative verdict at the inquest, saying the death was the result of an undiagnosed and therefore untreated aortic dissection.
The coroner issued a report on preventing future deaths under Regulation 28 to explain what went wrong and how similar deaths can be stopped.
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