Case Report

Lemierre Syndrome Complicating a Subcutaneous Neck Abscess

Authors: Kalpana Raghunathan, MD, Nagapradeep Nagajothi, MD

Abstract

Lemierre syndrome is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein caused typically by an oropharyngeal infection. We report a case of Lemierre syndrome complicating a subcutaneous neck abscess. Lemierre syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic emboli and sepsis, especially in a patient with tenderness along the sternomastoid muscle.


Key Points


* Lemierre syndrome is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein caused typically by an oropharyngeal infection.


* It commonly results in septicemia and septic emboli to the lungs and other organs.


* The inciting infection may have resolved by the time the patient presents with septicemia.


* Swelling and tenderness at the angle of the jaw and along the sternomastoid muscle should raise the suspicion of thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein.


* Enhanced CT scan of the neck is the investigation of choice.

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