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
Lemierre syndrome - internal jugular vein thrombosis - septic thrombophlebitis - anticoagulation
-
Klebsiella pneumoniae
- diabetes mellitus - neck abscess