A Case of Fatal Diquat Poisoning: Toxicokinetic Data and Autopsy Findings

A 37-year-old man ingested in a suicide attempt 300 mL of a diquat solution (equivalent to 60 g diquat ion). The initial diquat serum concentration was 64 microg/mL 4 hours after poisoning. The clinical course was characterized by a progressive anuria and by neurological disorders (coma and seizures). The patient died 26 hours after poisoning from refractory cardiocirculatory collapse. Extracorporeal techniques removed 1.09 g of diquat which could be considered as significant in regard to the total amount that was likely absorbed, but they did not influence the clinical outcome. There was marked renal tubular damage at autopsy and the highest diquat tissue concentration was found in the kidneys.