A case of lemierre syndrome poorly responsive to medical treatment.
- Author:
Tae Yun HEO
1
;
Bock Hyun JUNG
;
Nae Sun RYOU
;
Hyoung Chu JOUNG
;
Min Hyung CHO
;
Mi Hye KIM
;
Dae Sik RYU
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Gangneung, Korea. jbh@gnah.co.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Lemierre syndrome;
Pneumonia;
Empyema;
Thrombophlebitis;
Antiphospholipid syndrome
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Antiphospholipid Syndrome;
Empyema;
Humans;
Jugular Veins;
Lemierre Syndrome;
Pneumonia;
Thrombectomy;
Thrombophlebitis;
Venous Thrombosis
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2008;74(2):203-207
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Lemierre syndrome is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by anaerobic oropharyngeal infections leading to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent secondary metastatic infections. The accurate diagnosis and treatment, for early stage disease, is important because it may be associated with a high mortality rate if untreated. We present the case of a 34-year-old man who presented with a history of typical for the diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome. Supportive care with antibiotics did not improve the clinical condition. The clinical course improved after treatment with IV anticoagulant and surgical thrombectomy. In addition, he had the antiphospholipid syndrome, which is known to be a common cause of acquired arterial or venous thrombosis. Therefore, in this patient the associated antiphospholipid syndrome might precipitate an internal jugular venous thrombophlebitis after an oropharyngeal infection or might account for the poor response to medical treatment.
