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.
Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae; Lemierre syndrome; anticoagulation; diabetes mellitus; internal jugular vein thrombosis; neck abscess; septic thrombophlebitis.