The Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease – A Unique Cause

Paraquat (1,1’-dimethyl-4,4’-dipyridylium) is a liquid herbicide which can result in severe and frequently lethal poisoning due to both accidental and intentional ingestion. The hallmark of paraquat poisoning is lung involvement, mainly extensive alveolitis and this eventually leads to pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonologists should be aware of this poisoning as it causes a rare type of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, which is mostly fatal if not treated at the correct time.