Tetanus in a parenteral drug abuser: report of a case

Tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani. In the United States, tetanus remains a significant problem primarily among nonimmunized or inadequately immunized individuals. This article reports a fatal case of tetanus that occurred in a 45-year-old parenteral drug abuser who presented to Harlem Hospital Center with nuchal rigidity, trismus, dysphagia, and spasms of the pectoralis musculature. Multiple cutaneous ulcerations also were observed. Despite aggressive measures that included: endotracheal intubation, administration of human tetanus, hyperimmune globulin, tetanus toxoid, and intravenous penicillin, the patient rapidly deteriorated and manifestations of heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, seizures, and cardiac arrest ensued. The diagnosis of tetanus must be based upon clinical grounds. Clinicians must remain aware of the possibility of tetanus, especially among drug abusers who also are more likely to be evaluated for complications of human immunodeficiency viral infection, which in some cases may mimic tetanus or make the diagnosis more difficult to establish.