Fusobacterium septicemia complicated by cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas: a rare case of Lemierre syndrome

Abstract

Background: Lemierre syndrome is characterized by postanginal septicemia and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis with secondary septic emboli, typically to the lungs. The central nervous system (CNS) is rarely involved.

Objective: To present a case of Lemierre syndrome featuring cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas.

Case report: This case report describes the case of a 17-year-old youth with cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. The findings of chest computed tomography of the neck and the blood cultures were compatible with Lemierre syndrome. The patient recovered well after antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement.

Conclusion: Lemierre syndrome can result in infection spreading to the CNS, including cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. This disease entity should be included in the differential diagnoses of CNS bacterial infections.