Generalized tetanus complicated with Takotsubo-cardiomyopathy in a septuagenarian following a laceration injury with soil contamination – a case report

Abstract

Background Tetanus is a clinical rarity due to the successful globally adopted childhood vaccination programme. The rising elderly population in the United Kingdom creates a subset of individuals whom are prone to develop Tetanus as they preceded this vaccination drive. Case summary A 76 year old Caucasian lady presented with a soil contaminated laceration injury on her knee following a fall. Though she received urgent assessment and wound care, the relevance of the injury in the backdrop of her age was not appreciated and her tetanus post exposure prophylaxis was overlooked. She readmitted seeking further management 1 week later with an infected wound with Trismus and clinical features favoring Generalized tetanus. During her stay she developed Takotsubo-cardiomyopathy with congestive cardiac failure and required prolonged care in the intensive unit with mechanical ventilation and rehabilitation before being discharged home. Conclusion First contact physicians should have a greater appreciation of the types of injuries and at-risk individuals who are more prone to develop tetanus upon exposure to ensure early and appropriate identification. There should be greater situational awareness with regard to the elderly in view of their heightened risk of development of tetanus specially those born before the vaccination drive. Knowledge regarding post exposure prophylaxis measures for tetanus should be regularly updated using local guidance to ensure awareness, so as to despite its rarity Tetanus remains an adequately appreciated disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12245-024-00751-w.