Hawes D, Linney MJ, Wilkinson R, Paul SP. Lemierre's syndrome: the importance of early detection.
ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014;
22:1075-8. [PMID:
24121852 DOI:
10.12968/bjon.2013.22.18.1075]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
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.
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