Paraquat poisoning: findings on chest radiography and CT in 42 patients

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991 Oct;157(4):697-701. doi: 10.2214/ajr.157.4.1892020.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the radiologic manifestations of paraquat-induced pulmonary damage, with special emphasis on the sequential changes seen with this condition. Paraquat is a herbicide that has toxic effects on the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Progressive respiratory failure is a frequent cause of death. We analyzed retrospectively 42 patients with a history of paraquat ingestion and abnormal findings on chest radiographs. Radiographic changes during the first week after ingestion included diffuse consolidation (26/39), pneumomediastinum with or without pneumothorax (15/39), and cardiomegaly with widening of the superior mediastinum (8/39). Small cystic and linear shadows began to appear at the end of the first week and were the preponderant parenchymal abnormality after 2-4 weeks. Focal honeycombing was the major parenchymal abnormality after 4 weeks. High-resolution CT of the lung 9 months after paraquat exposure revealed localized fibrosis containing small cysts. Our study shows that the pulmonary manifestations of paraquat poisoning begin with air-space consolidation, which then leads to end-stage lung.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / mortality
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / chemically induced
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraquat / poisoning*
  • Poisoning / diagnostic imaging
  • Poisoning / mortality
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / chemically induced
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Suicide
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Paraquat