[Septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and Lemierre syndrome]

Abstract

The authors report a case of Lemierre's syndrome. This uncommon clinical entity is characterized by a septic internal jugular vein thrombosis with secondary metastatic abscesses and Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia, following an acute oropharyngeal infection. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and it should be suspected when a severe septicaemic illness, with pulmonary symptoms, occurs after an acute pharyngotonsillar infection. This article reviews the clinical picture, microbiology and treatment of this forgotten complication of acute tonsillitis.