A Rare Case of Botulism in an Adult Patient
Authors/Creators
- 1. California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, California, USA
- 2. Emergency physician and Director of the Emergency Department, Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital, Woodland, California, USA
- 3. Professor of Medical Education and Emergency Medicine, Director of Emergency Medicine Clerkship, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, California, USA
Description
Presentation of botulism in adults is extremely rare and symptoms can be easily confused for symptoms of acute stroke, Guillain-Barre, or myasthenia gravis. The purpose of this clinical case report is to ensure adult botulism will be included in the differential diagnoses for a patient with this presentation so swift and accurate care can be provided to ensure optimal patient outcome. A 41-year-old-female presented with complaints of sudden onset of difficulty speaking. The patient reports a history of intravenous polysubstance abuse and symptoms progressed to bilateral facial weakness, ptosis, and external ophthalmoplegia. With no notable findings from a non-contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and given the symptoms, a diagnosis of wound botulism from intravenous drug use was made. Botulism antitoxin was given and the patient was admitted into the intensive care unit for supportive follow-up care. A colony of Clostridium species was discovered in this patient’s arm and the patient showed significant improvement after a few days of care.
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A Rare Case of Botulism in an Adult Patient_Ranasinghe.pdf
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References
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