Lemierre's syndrome: more than a historical curiosa

Lemierre syndrome involving external jugular vein

Case

A 74-year-old woman with a week-long history of cold symptoms was diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome that involved her left external jugular vein.

Outcome

The patient was successfully treated with 4 weeks of antibiotics and anticoagulant treatment. Typical cases of Lemierre syndrome involve only the internal jugular vein. The external jugular vein is anatomically distant from the pharyngolaryngeal space and usually does not receive blood or lymphatic flow from there. Thus, Lemierre syndrome ordinarily does not involve the external jugular vein and clinical characteristics of external jugular vein-involving Lemierre syndrome have not been uncovered, mainly due to its rarity. Based on our review, it would not much differ from those of typical cases.

Conclusion

Considering the potential severity and mortality, more attention should be paid to this potentially fatal disease that may demonstrate atypical manifestation, as shown in this case. Accumulation of cases would be needed for further understanding.

The forgotten disease: Bilateral lemierre's disease with mycotic aneurysm of the vertebral artery

Patient: Male, 25

Final Diagnosis: Lemierre’s disease

Symptoms: Back pain • fever • headache • tachycardia • tachypnoe

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Lemierre's syndrome presenting with septic shock

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and metastatic abscesses following oropharyngeal infection. Though classically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, a number of other causative organisms have been reported in literature. We report a case of Lemierre's syndrome following parapharyngeal abscess due to staphylococcus aureus which progressed to septic shock.

Lemierre syndrome-should we anticoagulate? A case report and review of the literature

Lemierre syndrome is an uncommon condition classically described in acute oropharyngeal infection with septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and metastatic septic embolism particularly to the lungs. It is commonly described in young healthy adults with isolation of Fusobacterium necrophorum. We describe a case of Lemierre syndrome in a 50-year-old man with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus presenting with a neck abscess secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Our patient made good recovery to appropriate antimicrobial therapy, prompt surgical drainage, and anticoagulation. Anticoagulation remains controversial and we review the literature for its role in Lemierre syndrome.

Lemierre's syndrome: the importance of early detection

Sore throat is a common complaint, generally thought to be viral in origin, for which there may be a reluctance to prescribe antibiotics. This, combined with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, may explain the recent rise in the number of reports of Lemierre's syndrome (LS). LS characterises a postanginal septicaemia that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not recognised and treated early. This article describes the management of a 17-year-old boy diagnosed with LS to illustrate its classical presentation, common pitfalls in diagnosis and optimal management.

Fusobacterium liver abscess

Fusobacterium is well characterized as an oropharyngeal pathogen that may induce a septic thrombophlebitis by direct extension of abscess into an adjacent neck vessel (Lemierre's syndrome); its potential for visceral abscess formation, however, remains under-recognized. A 65-year-old man with a recent history of multiple rim-enhancing liver lesions presented to the emergency room with fever and abdominal pain. Based on interval increase in the size of the lesions, abscess was suspected. A liver biopsy was performed, and although no organism could be identified on routine microscopy, Warthin-Starry stain revealed Gram-negative bacilli consistent with an anaerobic Fusobacterium species as the underlying etiology of liver abscess formation. Subsequent anaerobic culture results confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of consideration for Fusobacterium infection in the setting of liver abscess if anaerobic organisms have not yet been excluded on initial culture evaluation.

A case report of Lemierre's Syndrome associated with dental sepsis

INTRODUCTION

Lemierre's syndrome is a potentially fatal condition characterised by spread of an oropharyngeal infection, resulting in thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. This leads to septicaemia and possible metastatic abscesses.

CASE PRESENTATION

We discuss the case of a previously healthy 17-year-old male who developed Lemierre's syndrome following dental sepsis. He presented with bilateral submandibular and submental swelling extending into the neck and chest. His management included a tracheostomy; incision and drainage of the abscesses; drainage of a pleural effusion and prolonged anticoagulant therapy.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of Lemierre's disease appears to be increasing and early diagnosis is essential. A high index of suspicion is needed in cases of oropharyngeal infection followed by fever, tender swelling of the neck and dysphagia - especially in young patients.

Lemierre's syndrome

Lemierre’s syndrome is a condition characterized by thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and bacteremia caused by primarily anaerobic organisms, following a recent oropharyngeal infection. This has been an uncommon illness in the era of antibiotic therapy, though it has been reported with increasing frequency in the past 15 years. Lemierre’s syndrome should be suspected in young healthy patients with prolonged symptoms of pharyngitis followed by symptoms of septicemia or pneumonia, or an atypical lateral neck pain. Diagnosis is often confirmed by identification of thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and growth of anaerobic bacteria on blood culture. Treatment involves prolonged antibiotic therapy occasionally combined with anticoagulation. We review the literature and a case of a child with Lemierre’s syndrome.

Lemierre syndrome associated with 12th cranial nerve palsy--a case report and review

Since the widespread availability and use of antibiotics the prevalence of Lemierre syndrome (L.S.) has decreased. It is a well-described entity, consisting of postanginal septicaemia with thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein with metastatic infection, most commonly in the lungs. The most common causative agent is a gram-negative, non-spore-forming obligate anaerobic bacterium, Fusobacterium necrophorum (F.n.). We describe the unusual clinical features of a 12-year-old boy with Lemierre syndrome with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy - the latter symptom is an extremely rare manifestation of this disease.

Lemierre's Syndrome presenting with neurological and pulmonary symptoms: Case report and review of the literature

Lemierre’s Syndrome (LS) is a potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by clinical or radiologic evidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis following an oropharyngeal infection, most commonly by Fusobacterium necrophorum. A high index of suspicion and early recognition is important for successful management and to prevent systemic complications like multiorgan failure with extremely high morbidity, prolonged hospitalization and, not uncommonly, death. We are reporting a rare case of LS that was complicated with internal jugular vein and cavernous sinus thrombosis along with lung metastatic lesions, which was diagnosed and treated at our institute.

Differential diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome in a patient with acute paresis of the abducens and oculomotor nerves

Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by anaerobic septicemia, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and septic emboli associated with infections of the head and neck. We describe an unusual and clinically confusing case of a young woman with an acute paresis of the abducens nerve and partial paresis of the right oculomotor nerve. After an extensive imaging diagnostic procedure, we also documented a peritonsillar abscess and various types of thromboses in intracranial and extracranial veins. Furthermore, we found brain and lung abscesses, which led us to establish the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome. Despite intensive anti-coagulation and antibiotic therapy, the patient developed a mycotic aneurysm in the right internal carotid artery directly adjacent to the previously thrombosed cavernous sinus. In summary, we were able to confirm that Lemierre's syndrome may occur in conjunction with uncharacteristic symptoms. Due to the sometimes confusing clinical symptoms as well as clinical and radiological specialties, we had to work on an interdisciplinary basis to minimize the delay prior to establishing the diagnosis and therapy.

Doctor, I have a sore throat

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare yet potentially fatal cause of sore throat. Recently published literature suggests an increase in the incidence of this 'forgotten disease', highlighting Lemierre's syndrome as a clinically important differential diagnosis of sore throat. We present a case report of an 85-year-old man who developed a sore throat, which illustrates the re-emergence of Lemierre's syndrome. Reducing the morbidity and mortality from this disease requires a high index of clinical suspicion to ensure prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate multidisciplinary management.

Bilateral lemierre syndrome secondary to periodontitis: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Lemierre syndrome is the typical presentation of human necrobacillosis. It is characterized by an initial infection, progressing to septic thrombophlebitis, septicemia, and multisystem embolic necrotic abscesses. It is usually caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, but its pathophysiology remains obscure. A case of bilateral Lemierre syndrome secondary to periodontitis is reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A previously healthy 24-year-old African American man presented with a 2-week history of fever, chills, dyspnea, abdominal pain and vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, anorexia, and body aches. He occasionally smoked marijuana but had no pets, and denied sick contact or recent travel. Physical examination was remarkable for tachypnea, tachycardia, pyrexia, icteric sclera, dry oral mucosa, moderate-to-severe gingival inflammation, and dental caries involving the upper and lower molars. The oropharynx was clear. He had tenderness over the sternocleidomastoid muscles bilaterally, and nontender cervical lymphadenopathy. Chest examination revealed reduced breath sounds in both bases with fine crackles at the right base. Examination of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems was significant for tenderness in the right upper quadrant with no rebound. Laboratory findings were significant for leukocytosis with a left shift, anemia, abnormal liver function tests, elevated creatine phosphokinase, and positive blood culture for F. necrophorum. Chest radiographs and computed tomography scans revealed multilobar cavitary nodular densities with pleural effusions. Duplex sonography of the neck demonstrated thrombosed left internal jugular vein with complete occlusion of the lumen, thrombosed left subclavian, and axillary veins with minimal blood flow. There was also a small thrombus in both the right internal jugular and right subclavian veins with partial occlusion of their lumina. He was prescribed penicillin, metronidazole, and anticoagulation therapy and had complete resolution of the lung lesions and marginal improvement of the bilateral neck thrombophlebitis. He was awaiting dental procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

A case is reported of extensive bilateral septic thrombophlebitis of the deep neck veins secondary to periodontal disease. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral Lemierre syndrome due to periodontal disease reported in the literature. It highlights the typical septic thrombophlebitis of Lemierre syndrome and its protean manifestations, such as hepatitis and rhabdomyolysis. This presentation also underscores the significance of thorough dental examinations in febrile patients. With respect to anticoagulation therapy in Lemierre syndrome, though still not established, there is some evidence of utility with no untoward effects.

Infectious disease emergencies: frontline clinical pearls

This article reviews various infectious disease emergencies from an internist's perspective. Key epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic points are reviewed with an emphasis on timely and appropriate initial management. The content serves to highlight essential points that are discussed in subsequent articles in this issue and to elucidate pearls that may facilitate timely and appropriate management.

Head and neck emergencies: bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, upper airway obstruction, and jugular septic thrombophlebitis

Head and neck infectious disease emergencies can be rapidly fatal without prompt recognition and treatment. Empiric intravenous (IV) antibiotics should be initiated immediately in any patient with suspected bacterial meningitis, and IV acyclovir in any patient with suspected encephalitis. Surgical intervention is often necessary for brain abscesses, epiglottitis, and Ludwig's angina. A high index of suspicion is often needed to diagnose epiglottitis, Ludwig's angina, and Lemierre's syndrome. Brain infections can have high morbidity among survivors. In this article, the causes, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prognosis are reviewed for some of the more common head and neck infectious disease emergencies.

[Case of Lemierre syndrome associated with infectious cavernous sinus thrombosis and septic meningitis]

A 33-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of right exophthalmos, diplopia and left neck pain. Neurological examination revealed lateral and inferior disturbance of his right eye movement and the meningeal irritation sign. Cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated polynuclear cells. Enhanced CT and MRI revealed thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein and bilateral cavernous sinuses. On the basis of these findings, he was diagnosed as having Lemierre syndrome associated with cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis and bacterial meningitis. After administration of antibiotics, his symptoms disappeared and the data of laboratory analyses also improved. However, after his discharge, he was required re-antibiotics therapy because of septic embolus- induced multiple lung abscesses. Lemierre syndrome is characterized by disseminated abscesses and thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein after infection of the oropharynx. Because Lemierre syndrome is potentially life-threatening, early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy are important.

Lemierre syndrome

Lemierre's syndrome is an uncommon complication of pharyngitis in the United States and caused most commonly by the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum. The syndrome is characterized by a history of recent pharyngitis followed by ipsilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis and metastatic pulmonary abscesses and is a disease for which patients will seek medical care and advice. As most patients are admitted to the hospital under internal medicine, practitioners should be familiar with the usual signs and symptoms of Lemierre's syndrome along with its diagnosis and treatment. Controversy involves the choice and duration of antimicrobial therapy used for treatment and anticoagulation therapy for internal jugular vein thrombosis. As the diagnosis and management of this syndrome has generated controversy, an updated review of the literature and treatment recommendations may be helpful for providing optimal care for patients with this often unrecognized and confusing infection.

Lemierre's and Lemierre's-like syndromes in association with infectious mononucleosis

Objective:

This study aimed to review cases of Lemierre's and Lemierre's-like syndromes in paediatric patients, to examine a possible association with Epstein–Barr virus as a predisposing factor, and to assess the impact of this virus on the severity of illness.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the in-patient database at Winthrop University Hospital, from January 2001 to October 2007. We reviewed clinical and laboratory findings as well as the outcome of infection in patients aged 21 years or less with a diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome. An additional case of Lemierre's-like syndrome was also included. The illness severity and duration of in-patient management of those testing positive for heterophile antibody were then compared with the same parameters in patients who tested negative.

Results:

Of the five patients diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome, two had concomitant acute infection with Epstein–Barr virus. Additionally, a 19-year-old adolescent was admitted during this period with acute infectious mononucleosis, Fusobacterium necrophorum sepsis, sinusitis, frontal lobe abscess and ophthalmic vein thrombosis. The clinical presentation of all patients included fever, sore throat, and ear or neck pain. The duration of symptoms ranged from two days to three weeks prior to admission. The patients with acute Epstein–Barr virus infection had been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis prior to admission, and tested positive for heterophile antibody. These patients subsequently underwent more extensive in-patient treatment, including intensive care management and ventilator support. The patients who tested negative for heterophile antibody experienced a milder course of illness, with a shorter duration of in-patient management.

Conclusion:

Two patients diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome, and a third with Fusobacterium necrophorum sepsis, had coexisting acute Epstein–Barr virus infection. Patients who tested positive for heterophile antibody experienced a more severe course of illness. These observations suggest a possible association between Epstein–Barr virus infection and the severity of concomitant Lemierre's syndrome.

Lemierre syndrome: a Japanese patient returning from Thailand

After returning from Thailand, a 23-year-old Japanese man was admitted because of fever, sore throat, neck pain, and chest pain. Contrasted-enhanced CT scanning of his neck revealed an absence of flow through the right internal jugular vein representing thrombosis, and moreover, an increase in wall thickness of the right internal jugular vein and enhancement of the surrounding tissue representing thrombophlebitis. Lung abscesses were also identified by a chest CT scan. Fusobacterium nucleatum was cultured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. He was diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome, and a good result was obtained by the administration of antibiotics. Physicians are encouraged to be aware of this syndrome when they manage patients complaining of neck pain and fever.

Lemierre syndrome: report of five new cases and literature review

Lemierre Syndrome (LS) is relatively rare, and its clinical features are potentially confusing. Without proper therapy, LS is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially fatal. Recognition of the imaging features of LS in the chest and the neck may permit a timely diagnosis and lead to prompt institution of appropriate therapy. The emergency imaging features of LS in five cases are reviewed with emphasis on computed tomography of the chest and neck.

Peritonsilar abscess requiring intensive care unit admission caused by group C and G Streptococcus: a case report

Acute adult pharyngitis is a common reason to visit the primary care physician’s office. Without knowledge of the natural course of acute pharyngitis in the adult patient, it can be easy to miss a serious complication. We offer the case of a 46 year-old man who initially presented with acute pharyngitis and eventually developed a peritonsillar abscess requiring intubation and intensive care unit admission. We hope to further clarify the normal natural history of adult pharyngitis and suggest clinical guidelines in the event of worsening pharyngitis.

[From tonsillitis to coxitis]

We present a 19-year-old woman with a throat infection, increased temperature, a positive mononucleosis monospot test and clinical signs of a lower respiratory tract infection. The diagnosis was thought to be mononucleosis complicated by bacterial pneumonia, but she was later found to have Fusobacterium necrophorum in blood cultures. She subsequently developed metastatic abscesses in her lungs and hip joint and was diagnosed with Lemierre's Syndrome. This case report highlights the importance of close links between clinicians and microbiologists in order to prevent morbidity and mortality in patients with an infectious disease.

A sore throat--potentially life-threatening?

A sore throat, which is most commonly viewed as a minor ailment, can be a manifestation of a life-threatening disorder known as Lemierre's syndrome caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report a new case of Lemierre's syndrome that occurred in an otherwise healthy 18-year-old woman, who initially presented with fever and sore throat. The diagnosis was not made until a week later when blood cultures became available. This syndrome should be suspected until proven otherwise in any patient with signs of pharyngitis, a painful swollen neck, and pulmonary symptoms. By presenting this curable, but potentially life-threatening case of Lemierre's syndrome, we hope to increase the awareness of the early clinical manifestations of Lemierre's syndrome and to emphasize the importance of careful physical examination with special attention to the neck. Clinicians should be aware that exclusion of streptococcal infection in a patient with severe tonsillar infection does not exclude a bacterial cause.

Infections of the airway

Infections of the airway in children may present to the anesthetist as an emergency in several locations: the Emergency Department, the Operating Department or on Intensive Care. In all of these locations, relevant and up to date knowledge of presentations, diagnoses, potential complications and clinical management will help the anesthetist and the surgical team, not only with the performance of their interventions, but also in buying time before these are undertaken, avoiding complications and altering the eventual outcome for the child. Diseases such as epiglottitis and diphtheria may show diminished incidence but they have not gone away and their clinical features and essential management remain unchanged. Paradoxically, perhaps, some conditions such as Lemierre's syndrome appear to be making a comeback. In these instances, clinicians need to be alert to these less common conditions, not only in regard to the disease itself but also to potentially serious complications. This article describes those infections of the airway that are most likely to present to the anesthetist, their attendant complications and recommendations for treatment.

Lemierre syndrome: a needle in a haystack

A young woman with no significant past medical history presented with worsening cough, swinging fevers, persistent chest pain and neck tenderness. On examination she was tachycardic, hypotensive, pyrexial and became increasingly confused. Inflammatory markers in her blood were raised, but the chest film showed clear lung fields and urinalysis was negative. The impression was sepsis query source and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were commenced. The patient deteriorated into respiratory failure and was transferred to intensive care. Some days after admission, an anaerobic bacillus, known to cause Lemierre syndrome, was cultured from her blood sample. The patient was treated with organism-sensitive antibiotics and improved over the next few days. She was discharged after further radiological investigations returned normal.