Autopsy findings in a case of acute paraquat poisoning with extensive cerebral purpura.

An autopsy case of paraquat poisoning in an adult male died on the 6th day of intoxication was presented. Histological and electron microscopic observations demonstrated interstitial pneumonia with distinct interstitial fibrosis and the initial stage of alveolar fibrosis with coexisting edema and hyaline membrane formation. Striking hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy, i.e. 'purpura cerebri,' was noted throughout the central nervous system involving almost exclusively the white matter. It consisted of focal hemorrhages of various stages accompanied by demyelinating processes of various extent. Globular and/or amorphous proteinaceous materials of uncertain nature were demonstrated in the vascular lumina throughout the brain.