Tetanus: an uncommon cause of dysphagia.
A 53-year-old woman was examined at our medical center because of progressive dysphagia of 14 days' duration and a severe inability to open her mouth and swallow saliva. A barium esophagogram showed no obstruction, but pooling of barium in the hypopharynx suggested a neuromuscular disorder. The clinical diagnosis of tetanus was confirmed by electromyography. With appropriate therapy, the patient recovered during a period of 6 weeks. This case illustrates both an uncommon cause of dysphagia and an uncommon initial manifestation of tetanus.
Scholz
D G
DG
Division of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Olson
J M
JM
Thurber
D L
DL
Larson
D E
DE
D000367:Age Factors; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014313:Trismus / Q000209:etiology
D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin