Computed Tomography Relative Volume of Lung Injury in Patients with Paraquat Intoxication

Objective: Lung injury is the main manifestation of paraquat intoxication, and the evaluation of its severity is the key to individualized treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the value of computed tomography (CT) relative volume in evaluating lung injury in patients with paraquat intoxication. Method: The lung CT data of 58 patients with oral paraquat poisoning in our hospital were investigated. According to the dosage of medication, the patients were divided into the following groups: < 20 ml (small dose group), 20-40 ml (medium dose group), > 40 ml (large dose group). According to the time of poisoning, it can be divided into early (< 3 d), intermediate (3 d-1 w) and late group (> 1 w). The relative volume of lung damage was calculated by post-processing software. The relationship between relative range and dosage or poisoning time was compared. Result: In the early stage of paraquat intoxication, CT findings of pulmonary injury were mainly increased pulmonary texture and ground glass opacity, while in the late stage, they were mainly pulmonary consolidation and fibrosis. The relative volume of lung injury increased with the increase of oral dose and the prolongation of poisoning time. However, no linear correlation was showed. Conclusion: CT can quantitatively evaluate the relative volume of lung injury in patients with paraquat poisoning, so as to provide quantitative basis for the selection of clinical treatment.