Diplopia as the primary presentation of foodborne botulism

Foodborne botulism is a serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. Clinically, botulism presents as bilateral cranial nerve neuropathy and descending paralysis. We report a unique presentation of botulism to remind clinicians of this potentially fatal condition. In this observatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hamid Khakshoor, Ali Akbar Saber Moghaddam, Amir Hossein Vejdani, Blair K Armstrong, Majid Moshirfar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
Series:Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
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Online Access:http://www.ojoonline.org/article.asp?issn=0974-620X;year=2012;volume=5;issue=2;spage=109;epage=111;aulast=Khakshoor
Description
Summary:Foodborne botulism is a serious condition caused by Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. Clinically, botulism presents as bilateral cranial nerve neuropathy and descending paralysis. We report a unique presentation of botulism to remind clinicians of this potentially fatal condition. In this observational case report initial evaluation showed only esodeviation. This progressed to unilateral cranial nerve six (CN VI) paresis along with systemic signs. Clinical diagnosis was made based on in-depth history and concurrent symptoms in three other patients. Foodborne botulism presenting as diplopia and unilateral motility deficits is rare and can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist.
ISSN:0974-620X