Lemierre's syndrome: a disguised threat

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Apr 23;12(4):e228397. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228397.

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome is a potentially severe disease characterised by suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and subsequent disseminated septic embolisation. The profile of this syndrome declined in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the introduction of antibiotics. Currently, lack of awareness of this condition delays appropriate treatment and worsens prognosis. We report a case of Lemierre's syndrome in a 12-year-old girl.

Keywords: infectious diseases; paediatrics; pulmonary embolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Awareness
  • Child
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism / drug therapy
  • Embolism / microbiology
  • Female
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Jugular Veins / pathology*
  • Lemierre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Lemierre Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Lemierre Syndrome / microbiology
  • Lemierre Syndrome / pathology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Thrombophlebitis / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tonsillectomy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents