09 May 2008
Recurrent aspiration pneumonia in an alcoholic male patient with myotonic dystrophy
Sara Meade, Ian WoolhouseAm J Case Rep 2008; 9:263-266 :: ID: 857160
Abstract
Background: Myotonic dystrophy is notoriously difficult to diagnose and is often a later thought in the diagnostic process. Presentation of this condition can be varied and it may take several months to identify the problem.
Case Report: This case discusses a gentleman with clinical features and a family history of myotonic dystrophy, but due to a history of excessive alcohol, his frequent presentation to hospital was attributed to his addiction rather than his neuromuscular disorder. This case highlights the need to see beyond those cases of drug and alcohol addiction to look for other diagnoses as a reason for recurrent attendance to hospital.
Conclusions: This case demonstrates the need for early diagnosis as complications can have significant long-term effects. Early referral to a specialist unit is necessary once the diagnosis is made. As medics, it is easy to overlook other possible diagnoses, especially when there is a concurrent addictive problem. Although uncommon, myotonic dystrophy also has important implications for other family members, who will require genetic screening.
Keywords: alcoholic, aspiration pneumonia, Myotonic Dystrophy, facial weakness, bilateral ptosis
In Press
19 Mar 2024 : Case report
Medial Hoffa Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review of Approach and ManagementAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943136
21 Mar 2024 : Case report
Pediatric Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema After Brain Tumor Removal Complicated with Severe Myocardial Injury: A...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943645
21 Mar 2024 : Case report
Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Challenges in the Context of COVID-19Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942921
22 Mar 2024 : Case report
Sleep Disorders and Traffic Accidents: Unveiling the Hidden RisksAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943346
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United StatesDOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of CocaineDOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250