A 31-year-old production engineer, Letícia de Sousa Patrus Pena, is currently comatose following what her family alleges to be medical malpractice by her childhood friend, anesthesiologist Natália Peixoto de Azevedo Kalil. The incident, which has caught the attention of the Brazilian medical authorities, centers around the unauthorized administration of anesthetic injections intended to alleviate Letícia’s chronic back pain.
According to reports from Estado de Minas, Letícia's mother, Flávia Bicalho de Sousa, has filed complaints with the Public Ministry and the Regional Medical Council of Minas Gerais, seeking accountability for actions labeled as attempted homicide with eventual intent, as Natália was aware of the severe risks involved.
Flávia described how Natália, her daughter’s long-time friend, administered the injections containing ropivacaine at her home, which raises significant legal and ethical questions, as this anesthetic should only be applied under strict medical supervision within clinical settings.
Letícia's ordeal began on August 25, 2024, when she first received the injection, seemingly to provide relief. The first session appeared successful; unfortunately, subsequent treatments took a dire turn. On September 20, natália administered the second injection under similar circumstances; the outcome this time was catastrophic, leading to Letícia’s cardiac arrest.
Flávia recounted the harrowing moments when her daughter was rushed to Mater Dei Contorno Hospital. The medical records indicate Letícia experienced convulsions and stopped breathing, leaving her with extensive brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Reportedly, the delay during transport and the failure to use emergency resources greatly impeded her chances of recovery. "A caminho do hospital, a paciente apresentou vômitos e intercorreu com perda de pulso percebida por acompanhantes," states the medical document about Letícia’s condition during transit.
Evidence against Natália seems to be mounting as investigators examine whether the anesthesiologist knowingly endangered Letícia’s life by ignoring established protocols. "O cloridrato de ropivacaína deve apenas ser utilizado por ou sob a supervisão de médicos experientes em anestesia regional e em locais que ofereçam condições adequadas para monitorização e ressuscitação de emergência,” as indicated by the manufacturer’s guidelines, which were reportedly disregarded. Letícia's condition has left her requiring prolonged hospitalization and intensive care, with medical costs spiraling reportedly beyond R$500,000 (approximately $100,000).
Concerned about the rising expenses and the lack of response from Natália, Letícia’s family is grappling with emotional and financial distress. The reality of her situation has drastically shifted Flávia's perception of the anesthesia friendship, initially believing Natália had helped her daughter. “Eu achava que ela tinha salvado a vida da minha filha... Até que me falaram que esse procedimento não poderia ter sido feito em casa,” Flávia lamented.
The public outcry surrounding this case has compelled medical boards to reassess the licensing and professional conduct of practitioners risking patient safety for personal relationships. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially as the medical community braces for the potential fallout from this situation—a friend and trusted anesthesiologist facing severe allegations against her professional title.
While investigations are underway and the public awaits formal announcements from the Regional Medical Council, Letícia remains under medical supervision, with her family advocating for her care and justice. These tragic events spotlight not only the fragile realizations of trust among medical and personal relations but also the potential consequences when personal friendships eclipse professional boundaries.
Now battling for her life, Letícia serves as both victim and symbol, raising questions about adherence to safety standards within the medical field and the eternal trust placed between patients and their caregivers. Will justice be served for Letícia? Her family hopes to find answers as they navigate this turbulent time.