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Wound botulism presenting as a deep neck space infection.
Christopher Gouveia1, Somnath Mookherjee, Matthew S Russell
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94115, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|May 31, 2012
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of wound botulism (WB) mimicking a deep neck infection in an injection drug user (IDU). Early recognition of WB is crucial for patients with IDU history presenting with neck infections and bulbar symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Deep space neck infections are common in otolaryngology evaluations.
- Injection drug use (IDU) is associated with various infections.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of IDU presented with dysphagia, odynophagia, and neck pain.
- Imaging revealed multiple small neck abscesses.
- Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, the patient rapidly developed respiratory failure requiring intubation.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with wound botulism (WB).
- This is the first reported case of WB presenting as a deep neck space infection.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering wound botulism in patients with IDU history and neck infections.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of this potentially fatal condition.
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