Herbicide poisoning causing multiple colonic perforations: case report
Dublin Core
Title
Herbicide poisoning causing multiple colonic perforations: case report
Subject
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Colonic perforation, Herbicide poisoning, Surgery, Case report
Description
Abstract
Introduction Herbicide poisoning, particularly from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), is an uncommon yet
significant cause of systemic toxicity, especially in agricultural regions such as Ethiopia. Patients exposed to 2,4-D
frequently exhibit symptoms associated with gastrointestinal, muscular, renal, and neurological toxicity. In this report,
we describe a case of 2,4-D ingestion that resulted in systemic complications and the exceptionally rare occurrence of
multiple colonic perforations.
Case presentation A 19-year-old male farmer presented with a loss of consciousness three hours after attempting
suicide by ingesting 25 ml of 72% 2,4-D solution. This was preceded by vomiting and epigastric pain. The patient
was treated for hypovolemic shock, aspiration pneumonia, and coma secondary to herbicide poisoning. Despite
initial stabilization and recovery, the patient developed signs of peritonitis 14 days post-ingestion, which led to the
discovery of multiple colonic perforations. Surgical intervention included total colectomy with ileostomy, which was
later reversed. This case is notable as the first documented instance of multiple colonic perforations due to 2,4-D
poisoning in humans, as confirmed through an extensive literature review.
Conclusion This case highlights the importance of vigilance in patients presenting with herbicide poisoning, as
early detection and prompt management are essential for improving outcomes in individuals with multiple colonic
perforations. Raising community awareness and establishing guidelines for the safe use of herbicides are vital to
preventing such incidents.
Keywords 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Colonic perforation, Herbicide poisoning, Surgery, Case report
Introduction Herbicide poisoning, particularly from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), is an uncommon yet
significant cause of systemic toxicity, especially in agricultural regions such as Ethiopia. Patients exposed to 2,4-D
frequently exhibit symptoms associated with gastrointestinal, muscular, renal, and neurological toxicity. In this report,
we describe a case of 2,4-D ingestion that resulted in systemic complications and the exceptionally rare occurrence of
multiple colonic perforations.
Case presentation A 19-year-old male farmer presented with a loss of consciousness three hours after attempting
suicide by ingesting 25 ml of 72% 2,4-D solution. This was preceded by vomiting and epigastric pain. The patient
was treated for hypovolemic shock, aspiration pneumonia, and coma secondary to herbicide poisoning. Despite
initial stabilization and recovery, the patient developed signs of peritonitis 14 days post-ingestion, which led to the
discovery of multiple colonic perforations. Surgical intervention included total colectomy with ileostomy, which was
later reversed. This case is notable as the first documented instance of multiple colonic perforations due to 2,4-D
poisoning in humans, as confirmed through an extensive literature review.
Conclusion This case highlights the importance of vigilance in patients presenting with herbicide poisoning, as
early detection and prompt management are essential for improving outcomes in individuals with multiple colonic
perforations. Raising community awareness and establishing guidelines for the safe use of herbicides are vital to
preventing such incidents.
Keywords 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Colonic perforation, Herbicide poisoning, Surgery, Case report
Creator
Tesfaye Birhanu Abebe1,2*, Daba Iticha Ayana1*, Dereje Gebisa Bedada1
and Eyob Girum Weldeyes1
and Eyob Girum Weldeyes1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00875-7
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Tesfaye Birhanu Abebe1,2*, Daba Iticha Ayana1*, Dereje Gebisa Bedada1
and Eyob Girum Weldeyes1, “Herbicide poisoning causing multiple colonic perforations: case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12759.