A Rare Case of Botulism in an Adult Patient

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• botulism
• botulism antitoxin
• differential diagnosis
• pharmaceutical preparations
• humans
• aftercare