Radiologist's report omission under investigation following patient death

A radiologist is at the center of an investigation into the sudden death of a respected businesswoman in Yorkshire, England. 

Dame Julie Ann Kenny passed away in February 2025 at the age of 67 following a brief illness. Kenny had been experiencing abdominal pain when she was admitted to the hospital, where she underwent a CT scan. The exam’s interpretation was outsourced to Everlight Radiology—a teleradiology company that provides reads for NHS facilities—and was reported on by Vishy Acharya, MD. 

Kenny passed away around one week after that scan and emergency surgery. An inquest into the incident being held this week is questioning how Acharya’s report on her CT scan may have played a role in her untimely death, as the radiologist did not notate "swirling of the mesentery" in his interpretation. The finding, also known as “whirlpool sign,” indicates that mesenteric fat and vessels have become twisted, which can cause an obstruction or cut off blood flow to the area; if left untreated, it can be deadly. 

Acharya told investigators he noticed the finding but did not notate it. This is because he had previously been told not to report the whirlpool sign in all cases because it typically was not a significant finding, and it could potentially overcomplicate reports surgeons use to guide operations. The doctor maintained that if Kenny had shown secondary signs associated with the finding, he would have reported on it, but that this was not the case. 

An additional scan on Feb. 15 showed areas of “significant clinical concern.” The findings of that scan resulted in Kenny being sent for emergency surgery that she would not wake up from. Kenny was in a coma for a week after the operation before passing away.  

During an interview with Senior Coroner Nicola Jane Mundy, Archarya shared that Kenny’s case has prompted him to change his practices regarding the finding. 

“[Since the death of Dame Kenny] I have changed my practice entirely. I do report every swirling, whether it is in or outpatient. Whether there is an obstruction or not…There is a learning from here that in the 100 cases of swirling I report 99 may not be significant, but even if one or two cases become significant, that would be a service,” he said. “As a doctor, I am supposed to help and save lives.” 

The inquest is expected to last for three days.