PARAQUAT POISONING OF THE LUNG - THIN-SECTION CT FINDINGS

PURPOSE: To describe thin-section computed tomographic (CT) findings i n paraquat poisoning of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT scans of the lungs in 16 patients with paraquat poisoning were revi ewed. The patients were nine male and seven female persons whose ages ranged from 16 to 74 years (mean, 29 years). Follow-up CT scans were a vailable for seven patients. RESULTS: The most common pattern on initi al scans was ground-glass attenuation, present alone or as part of a m ixed pattern in 13 patients. It was bilateral and diffuse in distribut ion. Consolidation was present in six patients, irregular Lines in thr ee, and nodules in two patients. On follow-up scans, the ground-glass attenuation had changed to consolidation with bronchiectasis. Addition al irregular lines and traction bronchiectasis also were observed. CON CLUSION: CT findings in paraquat poisoning of the lung begin with grou nd-glass attenuation, which leads to consolidation with bronchiectasis or irregular lines.