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Fatal diquat intoxication.
Jasmina Jović-Stosić1, Gordana Babić, Veljko Todorović
1Military Medical Academy, Clinic of Emergency and Clinical Toxicology, National Poison Control Centre, Belgrade, Serbia. ncktvma@eunet.co.yu
Vojnosanitetski Pregled
|July 9, 2009
Summary
Diquat herbicide poisoning can cause severe heart and brain damage, leading to fatal outcomes. This review highlights the critical impact on the cardiovascular system in diquat intoxication cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diquat herbicide has been used in agriculture since the 1960s.
- Approximately 40 detailed cases of diquat poisoning have been documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- Two cases of diquat poisoning are presented, involving a 35-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man.
- Both cases exhibited severe symptoms including cardiocirculatory shock, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, acute renal injury, and neurological deficits.
- Autopsies revealed myocardial infarction, bronchopneumonia, renal tubular damage, and brain infarction in both patients.
Findings:
- Diquat poisoning can lead to fulminant courses with rapid deterioration.
- Cardiocirculatory disturbances, specifically heart and brain infarction, were identified as fatal complications.
- The heart is identified as one of the most severely affected organs in diquat poisoning.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the severe cardiotoxic effects of diquat herbicide.
- Highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of diquat poisoning.
- Underscores the need for awareness regarding the potential for fatal cardiovascular complications.
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