[Dysphagia as initial symptom in tetanus. A case report].

A 69-year-old woman was examined because of progressive dysphagie. A barium esophagogram showed no obstruction but a swallowing in trachea suggested a neuromuscular disorder. ENT examination showed no specific signs of infection. The clinical diagnosis of tetanus was confirmed by electromyography. This case demonstrates an uncommon cause of dysphagia where the classical signs of tetanus in the early stages of this disease were absent and dysphagia was the initial and sole presenting symptom.