[Throat ache ans swelling of the neck: first symptoms of Lemierre's syndrome]

Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 2014 Mar;121(3):141-4. doi: 10.5177/ntvt.2014.03.13187.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome, a thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, is a rare disorder, usually caused by the microorganism Fusobacterium necrophorum. Throat ache and swelling of the neck are often the first symptoms. Without adequate treatment, Lemierre's syndrome may result in thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and metastatic lung abscesses, with a mortality rate of 18%. On the basis of 2 cases, Lemierre's syndrome is described here. In cases where Lemierre's syndrome is suspected, hospitalization often follows, with the administration of intravenous antibiotics and drainage of the abscesses. One should be on the alert for Lemierre's syndrome when a patient is presented with swelling in the neck following an oropharyngeal infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fusobacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Fusobacterium Infections / drug therapy
  • Fusobacterium Infections / pathology
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / microbiology
  • Lemierre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Lemierre Syndrome / pathology
  • Male
  • Thrombophlebitis / diagnosis
  • Thrombophlebitis / drug therapy
  • Thrombophlebitis / pathology
  • Young Adult