Lemierre syndrome and acute mastoiditis

An Otogenic Variant of Lemierre's Syndrome Caused by Trueperella bernardiae: A Case Report and Literature Review

Upper airway infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, including pharyngitis and tonsillitis, are a common cause of septic thrombosis (Lemierre's syndrome). Although otitis media rarely progresses to systemic infection, an abscess surrounding the middle ear can affect the central nervous system. Trueperella bernardiae was originally considered a non-pathogenic aerobic bacterium but has subsequently been reported to cause bacteremia and brain abscesses. Here, we report a case of otitis media caused by T. bernardiae complicated by meningitis, subdural empyema, and septic pulmonary emboli in an immunocompetent patient.

Lemierre syndrome leading to an ischaemic stroke and malignant cerebral oedema

Lemierre syndrome is an often misdiagnosed disease caused by an anaerobic bacterial infection that produces thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic metastasis to distal organs, especially the lungs. Carotid stenosis or thrombosis is a rare complication. We present a patient with Lemierre syndrome who developed malignant cerebral oedema secondary to an ischaemic stroke which required a decompressive craniectomy.

An chronic otitis media with effusion complicated with paravertebral abscess: Case report and review of the literature

•

Chronic otitis media with effusion occurs post-radiotherapy can cause serious complication.

•

Paravertebral abscess.

•

No reported case of a paravertebral abscess post chronic otitis media with effusion.

•

Our objective was to bring attention to chronic masked mastoiditis.

Introduction

Chronic otitis media are still present and often overlooked. Our observation is interesting by the association of double purulent complications of chronic otitis media: paravertebral abscess and lateral sinus thrombosis.

Case

We report the case of a 54-year-old man with a long history of NPC, who presented to the hospital with severe right earache, associated with headache and 39°fever. CT scan and MRI assessed a complicated chronic otitis media of the middle ear by thrombophlebitis of the lateral sinus and posterior paravertebral abscess. He was put under antibiotic therapy and cortical mastoidectomy two weeks later. Nearly one-year follow up reveals a satisfactory recovery.

Conclusion

The chronic otitis media with effusion deserves careful monitoring. The early diagnosis and adequate treatment of this life-threatening lesion may result in excellent prognosis. Especially for young people in developing countries.

Medical and surgical characteristics of fusobacterium necrophorum mastoiditis in children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare characteristics of Fusobacterium necrophorum mastoiditis (FnM) to characteristics of acute mastoiditis (AM) caused by other bacteria in tertiary children hospital Methods : Children with FnM (N=43) and non FnM (N=88). Assess medical, microbiologic and imaging characteristics, surgical findings and postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

Children with FnM had a positive history of otitis media, ear discharge and sub-periosteal abscess (p=0.0004, 0.09, 0.0003, respectively) at presentation. Their temperature, WBC and CRP were significantly higher (39.8 vs. 37.9, 19.4K vs. 16.1K, 21 vs. 8.7, p=0.0001). Positive culture was found in 46% of patients; 64% were diagnosed by PCR. CT scan was indicated in 95% and surgical intervention in 93% of children with FnM, compared to 15% and 9.7% of children in the non-FnM group (p=0.0001). Complex post-operative course was frequent for the FnM group: 88% of children had persistent fever, 46% had additional imaging and 14% additional surgical intervention. Children with FnM were treated with IV antibiotics for an average of 22 compared to seven days for non-FnM children (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fusobacterium should be suspect in a child presenting with AM, a septic appearance, high fever and increased inflammation markers. A regimen of two antibiotics should be empirically started, then proceed to imaging and early surgical intervention. A relatively slow post-operative recovery process should be expected; however, prognosis is good.

Lemierre's syndrome: A forgotten and re-emerging infection

Lemierre's syndrome, also known as post-anginal septicemia or necrobacillosis, is characterized by bacteremia, internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, and metastatic septic emboli secondary to acute pharyngeal infections. Modern physicians have "forgotten" this disease. The most common causative agent of Lemierre's syndrome is Fusobacterium necrophorum, followed by Fusobacterium nucleatum and anaerobic bacteria such as streptococci, staphylococci, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The causative focus mostly originated from pharyngitis or tonsillitis, accounting for over 85% of the cases of Lemierre's syndrome. Pneumonia or pleural empyema is the most common metastatic infection in Lemierre's syndrome. Antimicrobial therapy should be prescribed for 3-6 weeks. The treatment regimens include metronidazole and β-lactam antibiotics. In recent years, the antibiotic stewardship program has resulted in decreased antibiotic prescription for upper respiratory tract infections. The incidence of Lemierre's syndrome has increased over the past decade. F. necrophorum is an underestimated cause of acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis. A high index of suspicion is required for the differential diagnosis of acute tonsillopharyngitis with persistent neck pain and septic syndrome.

Mastoiditis with concomitant Lemierre's syndrome

Otalgia with mastoiditis is an infrequently encountered complication of acute otitis media (Pfaff and Moore, 2018). Even more rare is the development of infected jugular venous thrombosis, Lemierre's disease. We present a case of a six year-old girl with otalgia for over two months who presented to our Emergency Department (ED) with clinical mastoiditis, confirmed on CT scan, as well as an incidental diagnosis of complete thrombosis of the internal jugular (IJ) vein, Lemierre's syndrome. The true prevalence of Lemierre's from mastoiditis is difficult to discern. This clinical case highlights the importance of the consideration of these pathologies by the emergency physician.

Infections caused by Fusobacterium in children: a 14-year single-center experience

PURPOSE

This study aimed at reviewing our experience with infections caused by Fusobacterium in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of medical records of children admitted to Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center from 2000 to 2013, in whom Fusobacterium spp. was identified in any specimen.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients (males = 12) at a mean ± SE age of 5 ± 1 (range 1-17) years, were identified. The most common complication was abscess formation (n = 11, 50 %). Eight children (36.4 %) had intracranial complications, including brain abscess (n = 4), meningitis (n = 4) and cerebral sinus vein thrombosis (CSVT, n = 5). Seventeen children (77 %) had bacteremia. Primary site of infection was otogenic (n = 9), oropharyngeal (n = 7), respiratory (n = 2), sinuses (n = 2), intra-abdominal (n = 1) and mucositis (n = 1). Fourteen cases were caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, including four cases with CSVT, 7/8 cases of mastoiditis, four of them with subperiosteal abscess formation; all four cases with meningitis and two brain abscesses. Fifteen (68 %) patients required surgical intervention and 3 (14 %) received anti-coagulation therapy. Excluding one patient with overwhelming sepsis with fatal outcome, all patients recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Fusobacterium infections in children can cause a diverse spectrum of disease and is associated with high rates of abscess formation and intracranial complications. Although Fusobacterium nucleatum is abundant in the oral cavity, F. necrophorum is the main pathogen that causes severe infections in healthy children.

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 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.

Lemierre's syndrome due to Fusobacterium necrophorum

We present a case of a patient with Lemierre's syndrome caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum who developed a right frontal lobe brain abscess. We summarise the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, complications, therapy, and outcomes of Lemierre's syndrome. F necrophorum is most commonly associated with Lemierre's syndrome: a septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. Patients usually present with an exudative tonsillitis, sore throat, dysphagia, and unilateral neck pain. Diagnosis of septic thrombophlebitis is best confirmed by obtaining a CT scan of the neck with contrast. Complications of the disease include bacteraemia with septic abscesses to the lungs, joints, liver, peritoneum, kidneys, and brain. Treatment should include a prolonged course of intravenous beta-lactam antibiotic plus metronidazole.

[Lemierre's syndrome]

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare disease, mostly affecting young adults in good health, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We report one case with favourable outcome and clinical features stereotypics: angina, septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, pulmonary septic metastasis, Fusobacterium necrophorum on blood cultures. Antibiotic therapy targeting anaerobes has been rapidly initiated and maintained 4-6 weeks. The anticoagulation has been maintained 4 weeks.

Fusobacterium necrophorum middle ear infections in children and related complications: report of 25 cases and literature review

BACKGROUND

Fusobacterium necrophorum is associated with Lemierre syndrome (pharyngitis with septic thrombosis of the internal jugular veins) but it can also be involved in other head and neck infections, including sinusitis, parotitis, dental infections, and otitis media.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzes a series of 25 pediatric cases of acute otitis media caused by F. necrophorum and treated in our institution between 1995 and 2006.

RESULTS

We observed 3 clinical presentations: (1) uncomplicated otitis media (44%; n = 11); (2) acute mastoiditis (40%; n = 10); and (3) otogenic variant of Lemierre syndrome (16%; n = 4) associating acute mastoiditis, suppurative thrombophlebitis of the lateral and/or cavernous sinuses, meningitis syndrome, and sometimes distant septic metastasis or extensive osteolysis of the temporal bone. Sixty percent of these cases were diagnosed during the last 4 years of the study. Children less than 1 year of age were at increased risk for Lemierre syndrome. Broad range 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to confirm the identification of F. necrophroum and to detect secondary sites of infection. All patients had favorable clinical outcome, but complicated cases (mastoiditis and otogenic variant of Lemierre syndrome) required prolonged hospital stays and duration of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on bacteriologic investigation, we recommend systematic culture for anaerobes and that antibiotic treatment of F. necrophorum middle ear infections and subsequent complications includes coverage for anaerobic bacteria.

Internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with acute mastoiditis in a pediatric age

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical aspects and management of internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with acute otitis media.

STUDY DESIGN

Case reports and review of the literature.

SETTING

University hospital, tertiary referral center.

PATIENT

The authors describe two cases of internal jugular vein thrombosis, without sigmoid sinus thrombosis, secondary to acute otomastoiditis.

INTERVENTION

Jugular vein thrombosis was diagnosed in both cases by observation of filling defects of the involved jugular bulb on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and confirmed by conventional magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance venography.

RESULTS

Both patients recovered after recanalization of the vessel concomitant to anticoagulation and antibiotic treatment associated with a simple mastoidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Internal jugular vein thrombosis may be a complication of acute otitis media, without involvement of the sigmoid sinus and with a starting point in the jugular bulb. Anticoagulation associated with antibiotic therapy can be considered a safe and effective treatment. Surgery should only be performed to eliminate the source of infection from the middle ear and mastoid.

Human infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum (Necrobacillosis), with a focus on Lemierre's syndrome

Human infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum usually involves F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme rather than F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum, which is a common pathogen in animals. Lemierre's syndrome, or postanginal sepsis, is the most common life-threatening manifestation. Tonsillitis is followed by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and then a septicemia with septic emboli in lungs and other sites. Recent evidence suggests that F. necrophorum can be limited to the throat and cause persistent or recurrent tonsillitis. F. necrophorum is unique among non-spore-forming anaerobes, first for its virulence and association with Lemierre's syndrome as a monomicrobial infection and second because it seems probable that it is an exogenously acquired infection. The source of infection is unclear; suggestions include acquisition from animals or human-to-human transmission. Approximately 10% of published cases are associated with infectious mononucleosis, which may facilitate invasion. Recent work suggests that underlying thrombophilia may predispose to internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis. Lemierre's syndrome was relatively common in the preantibiotic era but seemed to virtually disappear with widespread use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection. In the last 15 years there has been a rise in incidence, possibly related to restriction in antibiotic use for sore throat.

Lemierre syndrome: a case of postanginal sepsis

Lemierre syndrome is a rare disease that's characterized by internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic emboli. These symptoms typically develop after acute oropharyngeal infection by Fusobacterium necrophorum. Although this syndrome is less frequently seen in modern times due to the availability of antibiotics, physicians must be aware of the syndrome in order to initiate prompt antibiotics therapy, including coverage of the anerobic organisms. We discuss here the case of an 18-year-old female with Lemierre syndrome and we review the relevant literature on this syndrome.

Cerebral infarctions and brain abscess due to Lemierre syndrome

Lemierre syndrome is characterized by anaerobic bacterial infection in the head and neck, causing thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein and septic metastasis to various distant organs, most often the lungs. Here we describe previously unreported clinical features of cerebral infarctions and brain abscess due to metastatic septic embolism of this uncommon but lethal syndrome, and the successful course of treatment with ampicillin, cefotaxime and metronidazole.

A case of the otogenic variant of Lemierre's syndrome with atypical sequelae and a review of pediatric literature

We report a case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with the clinical picture of Lemierre's syndrome (LS) secondary to bilateral mastoiditis. She developed unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) along with internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis, septic arthritis of her ankle and cervical fasciitis. Combined antimicrobial, anticoagulant and surgical treatment helped reverse all the effects of the sequelae, including nearly all the hearing loss. This is a unique case of this uncommon variant of the syndrome and with an uncommonly reported complication. The literature indicates that pediatric cases are a minority and enforces that successful management rests on awareness of the condition, vigil and promptness of communication of a multidisciplinary pediatric team.

Lemierre's syndrome: case report in a pediatric patient

Lemierre's syndrome was described in 1936 as a severe oropharyngeal infection followed by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and disseminated metastatic infections. Cases occur typically in previously healthy young adults and children. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the main anaerobic bacterium implicated. We present a septic 2-month-old infant with mastoiditis, multiple sites of osteoarthritis and multiple subcutaneous abscesses. No underlying anatomic or immunologic abnormalities were identified. Fusobacterium necrophorum was recovered from blood and bone samples obtained intraoperatively. Treatment included anaerobic coverage and drainage of septic foci. The patient was discharged home on 35th hospital day with oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and he recovered without sequelae. This was the first case of Lemierre's syndrome in our hospital. We want to highlight the absence of jugular vein thrombophlebitis, the presence of mastoiditis as previous infection and the surprising appearance of this infection in an edentulous 2-month-old infant.

Lemierre's Syndrome Associated with Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

An 18-year-old female patient suffering from a painful right-sided neck mass was admitted to our emergency service. Computed tomography of the neck revealed thrombosis of the right internal jugular vein. Computed tomography of the chest indicated septic pulmonary emboli in both lungs. Blood and oropharyngeal cultures showed proteus that was sensitive to cefepime and amicasin. Chemotherapy was administered for 12 days, however, her complaints continued with fulminant progression. An urgent decompression and excessive debridement were performed. Although Lemierre syndrome is a well-known cause of internal jugular vein thrombosis, association with proteus culture is very rare.

Increased diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome and other Fusobacterium necrophorum infections at a Children's Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To assess the apparent increase in the diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome (LS) and other Fusobacterium necrophorum infections at a large children's hospital. Infections with F necrophorum ranged from peritonsillar abscess to potentially fatal LS. LS is an oropharyngeal infection characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of head and neck veins, complicated by dissemination of septic emboli to pulmonary and systemic sites.

METHODS

Review of the medical and laboratory records was conducted of all patients who were seen at or admitted to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin with the diagnosis of LS and/or isolation of F necrophorum from a clinical specimen between January 1995 and January 2002.

RESULTS

During the 7-year period of the study, there was an increase in the isolation of F necrophorum from patients who were seen at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, as well as the number of cases of LS. There was 1 isolation of F necrophorum from clinical specimens per year from 1996 to 1999, which increased to 10 isolates of the organism from January 2000 to January 2002. During the most recent period, January 2001-January 2002, 5 cases of LS were diagnosed, a distinctive entity not recognized previously at the institution.

CONCLUSIONS

The cause for the recent increase in the number of serious infections caused by F necrophorum infection diagnosed at our institution is unclear but does not seem to be related to changes in microbiologic techniques or patient demography. We speculate that it could be attributable, in part, to alterations in antibiotic usage patterns in our region. Clinicians need to be aware of the increasing clinical importance of F necrophorum infections and the life-threatening nature of LS.

Critical care nurses be aware: Lemierre's syndrome is on the rise

Lemierre's syndrome (LS) typically occurs in previously healthy young adolescents and young adults who become acutely ill following an attack of pharyngotonsillitis. Also known as post anginal sepsis, those afflicted develop pyrexia, rigours and multiple metastatic abscesses that lead to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. In the pre-antibiotic era this particularly virulent syndrome had a mortality rate in excess of 90%, but since the introduction of antibiotics and the widespread treatment of throat infections, it has became almost unknown. However, due to a number of factors, including a reduction in the use of antibiotics for the treatment of sore throats, misdiagnosis and/or improvements in microbiology diagnostic techniques, several reports have indicated a resurgence of the condition. This has major ramifications for critical care nurses as LS is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This paper discusses the aetiology, pathophysiology, bacteriology, diagnosis and management aspects of this syndrome. A case study of a young woman is presented to illustrate the complexity of the condition, and highlight how early diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy ensured a favourable clinical outcome.

A case of Lemierre's syndrome

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening entity that follows an oropharyngeal infection. The syndrome is characterized by an antecedent acute oropharyngeal infection, with secondary suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic emboli. In the pre-antibiotic era, it had a 90% mortality rate. Now, with the advent of antibiotics, the prognosis is favorable, but delays in diagnosis may result in increased morbidity and mortality. Its incidence appears to be increasing. We present a case of Lemierre's syndrome, most notable for the patient's essentially benign physical examination and lack of clinical improvement with penicillin.

Lemierre syndrome in a previously healthy young girl

Lemierre syndrome is a severe postanginal sepsis complicated by internal jugular thrombophlebitis. We report on a 14 y-old girl affected by high fever, shivering chills, headache, severe lateral neck pain, left ocular proptosis and general malaise. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck showed right internal jugular vein and sigmoid sinus thrombosis. Fusobacterium sp. was identified in the blood culture.

CONCLUSION

Our report is a reminder that Lemierre syndrome still exists and remains potentially life threatening. A high index of suspicion is necessary to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The evolution of Lemierre syndrome: report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Lemierre syndrome (postanginal septicemia) is caused by an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. A high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary for diagnosis. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the usual etiologic agent. The disease progresses in several steps. The first stage is the primary infection, which is usually a pharyngitis (87.1% of cases). This is followed by local invasion of the lateral pharyngeal space and IJV septic thrombophlebitis (documented in 71.5% of cases), and finally, the occurrence of metastatic complications (present in 90% of cases at the time of diagnosis). A sore throat is the most common symptom during the primary infection (82.5% of cases). During invasion of the lateral pharyngeal space and IJV septic thrombophlebitis, a swollen and/or tender neck is the most common finding (52.2% of patients) and should be considered a red flag in patients with current or recent pharyngitis. The most common site of metastatic infection is the lungs (79.8% of cases). In contrast to the preantibiotic era, cavitating pneumonia and septic arthritis are now uncommon. Most patients (82.5%) had fever at some stage during the course of the disease. Gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting were common (49.5% of cases). An elevated white blood cell count occurred in 75.2% of cases. Hyperbilirubinemia with slight elevation of liver enzyme levels occurred in one-third of patients, but frank jaundice was uncommon, in contrast to its high frequency reported in the preantibiotic era. We conclude that, most likely as a consequence of widespread antibiotic use for pharyngeal infections, the typical course of the disease has changed since Lemierre's original description. The typical triad in our series was: pharyngitis, a tender/swollen neck, and noncavitating pulmonary infiltrates. The previous classical description of severe sepsis with cavitating pneumonia and septic arthritis was not commonly seen in our review. Mortality was low in our series (6.4%), but significant morbidity occurred, which was likely preventable by early diagnosis and treatment. The pathophysiology, natural history, diagnostic methods for internal jugular vein thrombosis, and management are discussed.

Bilateral Lemierre's Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by thrombosis of the internal jugular vein that develops following an oropharyngeal infection. Sepsis and septic metastases frequently ensue and affect the lungs, the musculoskeletal system, and occasionally the liver. Most cases are caused by infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum. This infection responds to antibiotic therapy with beta-lactamase-resistant compounds that exert good anaerobic coverage. Anticoagulation and surgical intervention can be helpful in advanced cases. Fewer than 160 cases of classic Lemierre's syndrome have been described; approximately one-third of these reported cases have occurred since 1988. We describe a new case of Lemierre's syndrome that occurred in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old man. Thrombosis of both internal jugular veins extended through the subclavian system and into both upper extremities. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and heparin during 14 days of hospitalization. He was discharged on oral clindamycin and warfarin sodium, and after 6 months he was able to return to full activity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lemierre's syndrome in which internal jugular vein thrombosis occurred bilaterally. By reporting this previously undescribed manifestation of Lemierre's syndrome, we hope to increase practitioner awareness of this disease entity.

[Jugular vein thrombosis: report of six cases]

Venous thrombosis in superior extremities and neck represent less than 5% of the total of venous thrombosis. Internal jugular vein thrombosis is associated with intravenous drug abuse, long term venous catheterization, local infection or spontaneous occlusion. The clinical findings are cervical swelling, progressive inflammatory signs overlying sternomastoid muscle, and an important functional limitation. Diagnosis is confirmed by cervical ultrasounds and contrast-enhanced computer tomography. Usual treatment involves anticoagulation and antibiotics, surgery is not frequently needed. We described the management and outcome of six cases of internal jugular vein thrombosis.

Lemierre's Syndrome

Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by an oropharyngeal infection followed by internal jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis and metastatic emboli, most often to the lungs and joints. The syndrome is most commonly associated with the anaerobic gram-negative rod Fusobacterium necrophorum. Diagnosis is established with evidence of metastatic infection and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis. CT is considered the diagnostic procedure of choice. Treatment should include an extended course of a beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotic and surgical drainage of any purulent fluid collection. Anticoagulation remains controversial, and ligation of the internal jugular vein is reserved for patients with persistent sepsis and recurrent emboli. With appropriate therapy, mortality is 4% to 12%; but mortality is increased when therapy is delayed.