Lemierre Syndrome
- Lemierre syndrome is a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection, first described in 1936. It is characterized by pharyngeal inflammatory process, septic thrombophlebitis of internal jugular vein, and metastatic infections, with lungs most often involved.
- This entity usually affects adolescents and young adults, and diagnosis is made with characteristic radiologic findings and positive blood cultures, with Fusobacteium necrophorum the most common pathogen.
- Key Radiologic Findings: Pharyngeal inflammatory process, thrombosis in the internal jugular vein, and distant septic emboli (usually pulmonary)
- Rx: Agressive antibiotic therapy, drainage of pharyngeal abscess (if any)
