Actor Michel Blanc died following anaphylactic shock, a serious allergic reaction, during a routine medical examination.
- Michel Blanc had a strong allergic reaction, called anaphylactic shock, because of a contrast product that was administered to him during a kidney ultrasound.
- Due to this anaphylactic shock, he suffered a cardiac arrest and angioedema.
- Despite treatment, he died a few hours later in a Paris hospital.
It was during a simple medical examination that Michel Blanc died. This Thursday, October 3, around 2 p.m., the French actor, director and screenwriter, goes to a radiology office in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, according to Marianneto do a renal ultrasound.
Anaphylactic shock due to the contrast agent
During this routine examination, he is given a contrast product. This is, according to the National Cancer Instituteof a substance which “allows you to distinguish vessels and possible abnormalities in organs during an imaging examination”. But some patients may be allergic to it. This is what happened to Michel Blanc.
Very quickly, the actor’s neck swells and he goes into cardiac arrest. He suffered anaphylactic shock. According to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), this is the most severe form of anaphylaxis, which is the most severe manifestation of allergy. This can manifest itself through various symptoms including breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, malaise, loss of consciousness, hives or even angioedema.
“Patients with asthma, atopy or a history of allergy to a contrast agent constitute populations at risk”
The Samu teams, who arrived quickly on site, diagnosed angioedema, also called angioedema. This is, according to the MSD Manualswelling of the face, throat, digestive tract and respiratory tract. People affected by angioedema have difficulty swallowing, breathing and may choke. Quincke’s edema can be due to a food, a reaction to a medication (here the contrast product for Michel Blanc) or to another substance, such as wasp, bee or hornet venom. Treatment consists of immediate administration of adrenaline.
“Asthmatic, atopic patients or those with a history of allergy to a contrast agent constitute populations at risk, indicates the Vidal about contrast media. Medical monitoring of all patients during and after administration of the contrast medium (30 minutes) must be implemented. Medical imaging centers must be equipped with the means necessary for emergency resuscitation.”
The Samu teams quickly transported Michel Blanc to the hospital. Despite treatment, the actor died in the evening.
