CT Review Missed Early Pancreatic Cancer, Patient Dies 18 Months Later

A negligence lawsuit claims that a 71-year-old transport driver named Ronen died after a radiologist missed an early pancreatic tumor on a CT scan ordered in connection with a kidney finding. The scan was done at Assuta Ashdod, and according to the claim, the hospital report stated unequivocally that the pancreas was normal. Ronen was sent home believing he was healthy, while cancer continued developing inside him for more than a year.

About a year later, after he developed severe jaundice and intense abdominal pain, Ronen underwent a PET-CT scan that revealed advanced pancreatic cancer with extensive metastases to the liver and abdominal cavity. He died in severe suffering seven months later. The suit was filed by his widow through attorney Moran Abarbanel-Yom-Tov, who says the misread scan denied him his only real chance to survive.

The complaint argues that the original CT was performed with a kidney protocol that also covered the abdomen and pelvis, requiring the radiologist to inspect the pancreas, liver, and spleen. A radiology expert for the plaintiffs said the first scan already showed an abnormal process in the pancreatic neck, and that failing to record it was a serious deviation from accepted medical practice.

An oncology expert attached to the lawsuit said that if the tumor had been found on time, it was very small, about 9 mm, without metastases, and could likely have been removed completely. He estimated that Ronen would then have had a 55% to 70% chance of surviving at least five years and an unusually high, roughly 50% chance of full recovery. The family is seeking 2.5 million shekels for shortened life expectancy, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. Assuta Ashdod said it had not yet received the claim and would respond after it does.