Tetanus: an uncommon cause of dysphagia |
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Authors: | D G Scholz J M Olson D L Thurber D E Larson |
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Institution: | Division of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905. |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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