A Case of Lemierre Syndrome as a Cause of Revisiting the Emergency Department.
- Author:
Tae Kyung KANG
1
Author Information
1. Emergency Medical Policy Dept, National Medical Center, Korea. emmania@paran.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Lemierre syndrome;
Thrombophlebitis;
Tonsillitis
- MeSH:
Adult;
Early Diagnosis;
Emergencies;
Fatal Outcome;
Fusobacterium necrophorum;
Humans;
Jugular Veins;
Lemierre Syndrome;
Neck;
Palatine Tonsil;
Thrombophlebitis;
Thrombosis;
Tonsillitis
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2010;21(6):901-905
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Lemierre syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of oropharyngeal infection. This syndrome is characterized by oropharyngeal infection leading to internal jugular vein thrombosis and multiple pulmonary septic emboli. It is commonly caused by an anaerobic pathogen such as Fusobacterium necrophorum. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment make a world of difference in preventing fatal outcomes. Here we present the case of a 25-year-old man with acute tonsillitis that was complicated with Lemierre syndrome. Emergency physicians should consider the possibility of Lemierre syndrome in young patients with initial oropharyngeal infection with neck swelling and pulmonary symptoms.
