Fusobacterium necrophorum (F. necrophorum) is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium and a known etiologic agent in Lemierre's syndrome. This rare disease commonly presents with persistent sore throat and dysphagia, which can spread to involve the internal jugular vein. Presented in this report is an interesting case of a patient who presented with a progressively worsening sore throat, dysphagia, and productive cough on admission. Blood cultures were positive for F. necrophorum and computed tomography angiogram (CTA) of the chest detected cavitation in the left lower lobe and a large consolidation within the right lower lobe without evidence of a vascular defect. CT of the neck with IV contrast demonstrated no findings of abnormal vascular structures. This patient was diagnosed with pneumonia secondary to F. necrophorum bacteremia and treated successfully with antibiotics and was discharged home. Clinical suspicion is warranted in patients with worsening symptoms of sore throat and dysphagia, as this rare syndrome may be present.
Keywords: cavitation; dysphagia; fusobacterium necrophorum; internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis; lemierre’s syndrome; pharyngitis; pulmonary nodule; tonsilitis.
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