Paraquat poisoning in pediatrics and its impact on severe lung damage: a case report

Introduction: Paraquat is an extremely toxic herbicide that can cause pulmonary fibrosis and severe respiratory damage. Case report: This case report presents a 17-year-old male patient from Orito, Putumayo, who was admitted to a tertiary care center in Pasto, Nariño, after ingesting 100 ml of paraquat in a suicide attempt. He presented with dysphagia, odynophagia, diaphoresis, and hemodynamic instability. Although the initial chest X-rays showed no abnormalities, subsequent studies revealed progressive lung damage. A chest computed tomography scan confirmed severe pulmonary injury. The patient experienced worsening gas exchange, severe hypoxemia, and acute kidney failure, requiring hemodialysis. Due to a poor clinical course despite established treatment, he became a candidate for lung transplantation. Conclusion: This case highlights the rapid progression and severity of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in young patients, emphasizing the need for early medical intervention to anticipate complications and improve survival chances.