A patient who ingests paraquat may develop pneumomediastinum. This complication is associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate.
Mechanisms for occurrence:
(1) esophageal ulceration with micro or macro perforation (usual cause)
(2) iatrogenic during passage of a lavage tube
(3) air leak from necrotic lung
Associated findings may include:
(1) pneumopericardium
(2) pneumothorax
(3) mediastinitis
(4) subcutaneous emphysema
A patient with pneumomediastinum associated with paraquat poisoning has a higher rate of:
(1) acute renal failure
(2) toxic hepatitis
(3) respiratory insufficiency
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
