Rapidly Progressive Muscle Paralysis and Acute Respiratory Failure Following Endoscopic Botulinum Toxin Injection.

Botulism toxin injection (BTI) is a well-known and relatively safe endoscopic treatment for achalasia. We report a case of a 90-year-old female diagnosed with achalasia who subsequently underwent BTI with symptomatic relief. The therapy was complicated by systemic botulism, however, leading to progressive muscle paralysis with diaphragmatic involvement requiring mechanical ventilation support. This is the first reported case of BTI for achalasia causing systemic botulism.