scholarly journals The Forgotten Disease: A Case of Lemierre’s Syndrome with Distal Extremity Involvement

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
John Gaskill ◽  
Michael Aronson

Once coined the “Forgotten Disease,” Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare condition that results from oropharyngeal infection with the gram-negative, anaerobic Fusobacterium necrophorum. The typical progression of illness involves spread to adjacent structures such as the internal jugular vein with resulting thrombophlebitis. Septic emboli to distant sites are also a common sequela. Here, we present a case of Lemierre’s syndrome in a 20-year-old, otherwise healthy, male. The patient presented with fever, sore throat, and dysphagia. Imaging revealed peritonsillar multiloculated fluid collections and necrotizing pneumonia with multiple pulmonary abscesses. The patient’s hospital course was complicated by the development of necrotizing fasciitis in his right lower leg, which required incision and drainage with surgical washout. In addition to systemic intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulation, he underwent multiple thoracentesis procedures. The patient was ultimately transferred to a tertiary care center due to persistent fevers and lung abscesses. This case highlights the challenges of initial diagnosis, as well as the treatment choices faced by the attending physicians.

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 1102
Author(s):  
Lucian Giubelan ◽  
Livia Dragonu ◽  
Vlad Pădureanu ◽  
Alexandru Neacșu ◽  
Mirela Mănescu ◽  
...  

Lemierre’s syndrome is, presently, a very rare condition, but a life-threatening one. The syndrome was first described in 1936 by Andre Lemierre and comprises an oropharyngeal infection (most commonly associated with anaerobic bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum), internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis and, possibly, secondary septic metastasis (common sites are lungs or brain). We describe such a rare case diagnosed at our Infectious Diseases Department in September 2019.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e222287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micheal Sheehan ◽  
Darren McLoughlin ◽  
Ronan O’Sullivan

Fusobacterium necrophorumis a rare infection most notable for causing Lemierre’s syndrome. This consists of a primary oropharyngeal infection and septic thrombophlebitis, and one or more metastatic focus. Prior to the widespread use of antibiotics, Lemierre’s syndrome commonly followed a rapidly progressing course, with a high mortality. We describe a case of a previously well 18-month-old boy who presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of progressive, right-sided, painful neck swelling and systemic sepsis. He was initially treated conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, but ultimately required surgical drainage. Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare condition with increasing incidence which can have significant adverse outcomes including death. Early recognition and treatment are essential, but identifying Lemierre’s disease is challenging.


2002 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Hope ◽  
Nigel Bleach ◽  
Sabour Ghiacy

Lemierre’s syndrome comprises internal jugular vein thrombosis following oropharyngeal sepsis and is a rare and serious condition. It is most commonly caused by the anaerobe Fusobacterium necrophorum and typically presents as metastatic sepsis to the lungs and joints. Thrombosis is demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) of the neck, and it is routinely treated with intravenous antibiotics and anti-coagulation.We describe a case of Lemierre’s syndrome following acute supraglottitis. The clinical features were of retrograde intracranial thrombosis, rather than the more usual metastatic sepsis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Coultas ◽  
Neena Bodasing ◽  
Paul Horrocks ◽  
Anthony Cadwgan

Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare complication following an acute oropharyngeal infection. The aetiological agent is typically anaerobic bacteria of the genusFusobacterium. The syndrome is characterised by a primary oropharyngeal infection followed by metastatic spread and suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. If left untreated, Lemierre’s syndrome carries a mortality rate of over 90%. Whilst relatively common in the preantibiotic era, the number of cases of Lemierre’s syndrome subsequently declined with the introduction of antibiotics. With the increase of antibiotic resistance and a greater reluctance to prescribe antibiotics for minor conditions such as tonsillitis, there are now concerns developing about the reemergence of the condition. This increasing prevalence in the face of an unfamiliarity of clinicians with the classical features of this “forgotten disease” may result in the misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of this potentially fatal illness. This case report illustrates the delay in diagnosis of probable Lemierre’s syndrome in a 17-year-old female, its diagnosis, and successful treatment which included the use of anticoagulation therapy. Whilst there was a positive outcome, the case highlights the need for a suspicion of this rare condition when presented with distinctive signs and symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Abrakhom Zeyni ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
...  

Introduction: Lemierre’s syndrome is an uncommon, life-threatening disease that develops as a severe complication of oropharyngeal infection. However, this syndrome has also been reported during anaerobic septicemia, originating from diverse sources of infection, such as the gastrointestinal system. The diagnosis of this syndrome remains challenging, and is often prompted by the detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum in blood culture, rather than with clinical signs or symptoms. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 38-year-old woman was hospitalized for a 6-day history of fever, watery diarrhea, and vomiting. Physical examination of the patient showed fever, pharyngitis, and diffuse abdominal tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and two blood cultures revealed Fusobacterium necrophorum. An abdominal ultrasound showed a liver abscess and hepatic vein thrombosis. The thoracoabdominal and cerebral computed tomography scan confirmed the results of the abdominal ultrasound. It additionally revealed bilateral lung nodules and a parietal brain abscess. The patient’s general condition and her laboratory test results, improved after receiving treatment with ceftriaxone and metronidazole. She received antibiotics for three months, without anticoagulation therapy. Repeated computed tomography scans showed a resolution of the liver, pulmonary, and brain abscesses, as well as the recanalization of the hepatic vein. Conclusions: Lemierre’s syndrome emerges as a result of septic illness and liver abscesses in case of gastrointestinal symptoms despite the lack of common presentation.


2002 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian A. Moore ◽  
Catherine Dekle ◽  
Jay Werkhaven

Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by thrombosis of the internal jugular vein that develops following an oropharyngeal infection. Sepsis and septic metastases frequently ensue and affect the lungs, the musculoskeletal system, and occasionally the liver. Most cases are caused by infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum. This infection responds to antibiotic therapy with beta-lactamase-resistant compounds that exert good anaerobic coverage. Anticoagulation and surgical intervention can be helpful in advanced cases. Fewer than 160 cases of classic Lemierre's syndrome have been described; approximately one-third of these reported cases have occurred since 1988. We describe a new case of Lemierre's syndrome that occurred in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old man. Thrombosis of both internal jugular veins extended through the subclavian system and into both upper extremities. The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics and heparin during 14 days of hospitalization. He was discharged on oral clindamycin and warfarin sodium, and after 6 months he was able to return to full activity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lemierre's syndrome in which internal jugular vein thrombosis occurred bilaterally. By reporting this previously undescribed manifestation of Lemierre's syndrome, we hope to increase practitioner awareness of this disease entity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Mridul Gupta ◽  
Radhika Annam ◽  
Joseph Bahgat ◽  
Margaret Eng

Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It begins with an oropharyngeal infection, which spreads locally to involve the internal jugular vein causing thrombophlebitis, followed by distant spread and metastatic infections. Affected individuals are commonly young adults. Causative organisms are usually oropharyngeal flora, most commonly being the anaerobe Fusobacterium necrophorum. Porphyromonas asaccharolytica is a rare etiological agent with only three cases being reported in the literature. This case report describes a previously healthy 22-year-old man who initially presented with acute tonsillitis and was later found to have left internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis along with bilateral septic emboli to the lungs. The patient was treated with a five-week course of ampicillin-sulbactam and metronidazole. Subsequent imaging also showed progression of internal jugular vein thrombus, for which warfarin was given for three months for anticoagulation.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Gupta ◽  
Shehzad S. Merchant

Lemierre’s syndrome (LS) is a rare, but a life-threatening complication of an oropharyngeal infection. Combinations of fever, pharyngitis, dysphagia, odynophagia, or oropharyngeal swelling are common presenting symptoms. Infection of the lateral pharyngeal space may result in thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, subsequent metastatic complications (e.g., lung abscesses, septic arthritis), and significant morbidity and mortality. LS is usually caused by the gram-negative anaerobic bacillusFusobacterium necrophorum, hence also known as necrobacillosis. We present a case of LS caused byStreptococcus intermedius, likely secondary to gingival scraping, in which the presenting complaint was neck pain. The oropharyngeal examination was normal and an initial CT of the neck was done without contrast, which likely resulted in a diagnostic delay. This syndrome can be easily missed in early phases. However, given the potential severity of LS, early recognition and expedient appropriate antimicrobial treatment are critical.S. intermediusis an unusual cause of LS, with only 2 previous cases being reported in the literature. Therefore, an awareness of the myriad presentations of this syndrome, which in turn will lead to appropriate and timely diagnostic studies, will result in improved outcome for LS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Rawes ◽  
Vanessa Badas ◽  
Kathryn Alyward ◽  
Annika Whittle ◽  
Peter Brown ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Lemierre’s Syndrome (LS) is a rare condition with a prevalence of around 0.6-2.3 cases per million of population. Typically, LS starts with a Fusobacterium Necophorum oropharyngeal infection which spreads rapidly causing infective thrombophlebitis, classically of the internal jugular. This is a life-threatening condition which left untreated has a mortality of 90%. In less than 10% of LS cases thrombophlebitis occurs outside of the internal jugular vein. These atypical presentations can result in delay in diagnosis thus treatment and hence have an increased risk of mortality. Case Report Here we present a case report of a patient with Abdominal Variant Lemierre’s syndrome. A 47-year-old female with no past medical history was admitted to the emergency department with severe epigastric abdominal pain. The patient was stable, her National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was 2, blood tests on admission showed thrombocytopenia (Hb 121g/dl, Platelets 50x109/l, WCC 17.1x1012/l), raised CRP 299mg/l and deranged Liver Function Tests (Total protein 56g/l, Bilirubin 45mg/dl, ALT 94U/L, AlkPhos- 121U/L). A Venous Blood Gas was abnormal with Lactate 2.1mmol/l. A sepsis pathway was initiated. The blood cultures grew Fusobacterium Necophorum. MRI Imaging confirmed the diagnosis of Abdominal Variant Lemierre’s Syndrome. Haematology and Microbiology were consulted. The patient was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation and was discharged 29 days later, she has made a full recovery. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of sepsis vigilance in Acute General Surgery admissions and emphasises that multidisciplinary teamwork is essential to achieve effective and prompt treatment for patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (ICON-2022) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Hemani ◽  
Anjum Naveed ◽  
Shakil Akhtar ◽  
Saba Shahid

Lemierre’s Syndrome (LS) is a rare syndrome most frequently due to an anaerobic organism, Fusobacterium Necrophorum. It is commonly a complication of an acute oropharyngeal infection, but there are exceptions to its presentations. In our case the cause of LS was otitis media caused by Streptococcus species. This is a rather unusual presentation of LS. LS is caused due to septic complications of oropharyngeal infections, which lead to thrombophlebitis of internal jugular vein leading to thrombosis formation. In this case report, we present a case of Lemierre’s syndrome in a seven-year-old male child. The patient presented with high grade fever spikes and earache, which were unresponsive to oral antibiotics. LS was diagnosed in this patient on the basis of clinical, microbiological and radiological findings. After the diagnosis, treatment involved using broad spectrum antibiotics and anticoagulants, followed by surgery. Though role of anticoagulants is controversial in LS, but there is no specific guideline contraindicating the use of anti-coagulants. In our case, timely diagnosis and management enabled us to discharge the patient without any symptoms. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5773 How to cite this:Hemani F, Naveed A, Akhtar S, Shahid S. Lemierre’s syndrome in a child. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(2):433-435.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5773 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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