Acute dysphagia in an octogenarian: an unusual case of tetanus.
Tetanus is a major worldwide health problem, and its global incidence has been estimated to be approximately 1 million cases per year. In particular, tetanus is more frequent in the elderly as compared with adults. We report a case of an octogenarian who presented with dysphagia and tremors as the only clinical symptoms. During hospitalization, the patient's clinical conditions worsened rapidly, and, although in absence of the classic clinical presentation (trisma, nuchal rigidity, and opisthotonus), a diagnosis of tetanus was suspected. Thus, the patient underwent a tetanus immunoglobulin immunization and antibiotic therapy with excellent clinical recovery.
Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Electronic address: mauro.giordano@unina2.it.
Mauro
M
Giordano
Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Tiziana
T
Ciarambino
Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Olimpia
O
Di Bella
Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Angelo
A
Finelli
Department of Medical Translational Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Nicola
N
Ferrara
Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Paolisso
D000208:Acute Disease; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid