Deciphering Persistent D-Dimer Elevation in Paraquat Poisoning: A Mortality Assessment Case Study

A 74-year-old woman accidentally ingested an unknown amount of paraquat without suicidal intent. Quickly presenting with dysphagia and tongue and oral mucosa burns, she sought medical care. Admitted to the intensive care unit, by the third day of hospitalization, due to the need to be evaluated for respiratory problems. A surge in the patient's blood D-dimer level prompted concerns of possible pulmonary embolism; however, subsequent evaluations ruled out pulmonary embolism or other complications. This case reinforces the hypothesis that the elevation in the blood's D-dimer level might be associated with paraquat poisoning itself.