Lebensmittelinduzierter Botulismus – Diagnose, Behandlung und Verlauf

A 56-year-old male patient was presented to the neurology department of the emergency unit by the ambulance service with progressive gait instability, dysarthria and gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinical findings also included bilateral mydriasis, asymmetric bilateral ptosis, proximal paresis of the upper extremity and marked dry mouth. Imaging was unremarkable, but the differential diagnosis revealed evidence of a neurotoxic cause. The history of recent consumption of preserved food and the characteristic symptoms quickly led to a suspected diagnosis of foodborne botulism. After early administration of antitoxin and intensive medical treatment with temporary invasive and non-invasive ventilation, the patient was discharged after 14 days without residual neurological impairment.