Toxic Encephalopathy Induced by Diquat Poisoning: A Case Series of Three Patients

Diquat is the third most widely used herbicidal biocide globally, following glyphosate and paraquat, with toxicity lower than paraquat. In the United States, diquat poisoning is predominantly linked to occupational exposure (8%–44%), with a low mortality rate (<1%–3%). In China, however, diquat use has increased only recently, following the ban on paraquat, leading to limited awareness and a significantly higher fatality rate compared to developed countries. Diquat primarily affects the liver and kidneys, but it can also damage the central nervous and respiratory systems. We report three cases admitted to our hospital, each involving severe central nervous system injury following accidental diquat ingestion. These patients exhibited characteristic clinical and imaging findings associated with diquat-induced brain injury. This case series provides valuable insights and may guide prevention and management strategies for similar poisoning cases in the future.