Transient achalasia of esophagus in tetanus.

A case with tetanus presenting with progressive dysphagia due to lower esophageal dysfunction is described. A barium swallow at the onset of symptoms showed esophageal dilatation with a smooth tapering at the lower end suggestive of achalasia cardia. The patient recovered from tetanus over the ensuing three weeks; repeat barium swallow at this time was normal, suggesting that esophageal dysfunction was a manifestation of tetanus.