Facial vein thrombophlebitis: A case report and literature review

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Oct:113:298-301. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.08.015. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Abstract

Septic thrombophlebitis of the facial vein (STFN) commonly presents with facial erythema, tenderness, and swelling above the involved vessel. Due to its rarity, diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge. Lemierre syndrome (LS), which consists of a triad of internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, septicemia, and distant septic emboli, is a more common entity of which physicians are more familiar. Whether tonsillitis-related STFN is actually LS in a different anatomical area and shares the same characteristics is still left to be answered. We present a case of STFN with a review of all cases reported in the literature.

Keywords: Facial vein; Lemierre syndrome; Septic thrombophlebitis; Septicemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Face / blood supply*
  • Herpes Simplex / complications*
  • Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / pathology
  • Lemierre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Lemierre Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Lemierre Syndrome / etiology
  • Male
  • Sepsis / complications
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir