A rare differential diagnosis in dysphagia: wound botulism

Laryngoscope. 2006 May;116(5):831-2. doi: 10.1097/01.mlg.0000214868.76123.a4.

Abstract

The incidence of wound botulism is increasing dramatically among intravenous drug users. Efficient intensive care and early treatment with antitoxin is essential to avoid lethal courses. The clinical picture of botulism is of descending, symmetric, flaccid paralysis. Early symptoms include cranial nerve palsies resulting in blurred vision and diplopia, difficulty in focusing, ptosis, facial weakness, dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria. Because patients presenting with dysarthria and dysphagia will often be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist initially, this rare but upcoming neurologic disease must be considered in the differential diagnoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Antitoxin / therapeutic use
  • Botulism / diagnosis*
  • Botulism / etiology
  • Botulism / therapy
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heroin Dependence*
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy / methods
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*
  • Tracheostomy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Botulinum Antitoxin