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Journal of The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine 2009;20(6): 732-737. |
A Case of Successful Management of Paraquat Poisoning with Severe Pulmonary Fibrosis |
Jae Hoon Min, Ji Ae Lee, Won Suk Choi, Hyang Kim, Myung Soo Kang, Kyung Hong Jun, Won Mo Jung |
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 2Department of Internal Medicine, Eumseong Keumwang Hospital, Eumseong, Korea. junkh4@naver.com 3Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Eumseong Keumwang Hospital, Eumseong, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
Paraquat, a potent herbicide, has caused many fatalities through indiscriminate use and suicides. With ingestion of more than one mouthful of 20% paraquat, death is usually caused by pulmonary fibrosis. We experienced a case of paraquat poisoning with severe pulmonary injury. The patient had swallowed about two mouthfuls of 24% commercial paraquat. Hemoperfusion was done within a few hours after ingestion, and then combination therapy with several antioxidants, steroids, and diuretics was given. Initially, ground glass opacities, consolidation, and irregular lines appeared in the patient's high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Several months later, lung lesions had improved. The improvement has continued until recently. |
Key words:
Paraquat, Pulmonary fibrosis, Hemoperfusion |
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