A rare intravenous paraquat exposure presenting with novel and atypical severe clinical manifestations.
Vrushali M Patil, Shirish Shantaram Inamdar, Nikhil Sunil Jadhav et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 26-year-old male presented after self-injecting 10 mL of 24% paraquat dichloride intravenously. He exhibited severe symptoms including hematemesis, diaphoresis, and bradycardia. Laboratory tests indicated leukocytosis and metabolic acidosis. Despite aggressive treatment, including hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy, he succumbed to respiratory distress and cardiac arrests 28 hours post-admission.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the rare occurrence of intravenous paraquat exposure, which is typically associated with extremely high mortality rates.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that intravenous paraquat poisoning can lead to rapid deterioration and is associated with a high mortality rate, necessitating immediate and aggressive supportive care.
Why it matters
This case underscores the critical need for preventive strategies and regulatory measures to limit access to paraquat, given its potential for fatal outcomes even with rare routes of exposure.