Radiographic and CT findings of the paraquat lung

Paraquat poisoning induces acute lung injury, followed by pulmonary fibrosis, causing progressive respiratory failure and death. In a large dose of paraquat, CT and chest radiography show gound-glass attenuation and pulmonary edema within a early few days after ingestion. In a moderate dose, their findings are reflected in pulmonary fibrous change. They show ground-glass attenuation in the first week after ingestion, which is followed by reticulogranular shadow, linear shadow, and small cystic shadow after the next week. Their findings also include pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and cardiomegaly.