Atypical presentation of Lemierre syndrome in a young healthy man with acute jaundice

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Aug 31;15(8):e249824. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249824.

Abstract

This report presents a case of Lemierre syndrome caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum in a healthy young adult who presented atypically with shortness of breath and jaundice but no clinical or diagnostic evidence of thrombophlebitis. Due to this unusual presentation with jaundice, diagnosis was challenging and delayed. However, the patient was successfully initiated on a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics; he required a period in the intensive care unit and was discharged without significant complications. This report aims to raise awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition and to highlight both common and unusual presentations of the syndrome.

Keywords: Hepatitis and other GI infections; Hepatitis other; Infection (gastroenterology); Intensive care; Respiratory system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / complications
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / diagnosis
  • Fusobacterium Infections* / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum
  • Humans
  • Jaundice* / etiology
  • Lemierre Syndrome* / complications
  • Lemierre Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Lemierre Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Thrombophlebitis* / drug therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents