Lemierre's syndrome: A calamitous complication of oropharyngeal infection

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome is an infectious thrombophlebitis of internal jugular vein (IJV) which occurs rarely, as a complication of oropharyngeal infection. We report an unusual case of a 36-year-old healthy female who presented with high-grade fever with chills, sore throat, and diffuse swelling of the neck on the right side. Examination revealed pharyngitis with swelling on the neck on the right side with palpable submental and submandibular lymph nodes bilaterally. Local site ultrasonography revealed thrombosed right IJV with subcentimetric regional lymph nodal enlargement. She was started on prophylactic intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants, awaiting blood culture report. A detailed workup was done to rule out occult malignancy, and autoimmune as well as thrombotic screening was also negative. The etiological agent could not be identified as blood cultures were negative; she had already received antibiotics prior to admission. She responded to treatment, and there were no metastatic complications. Though the syndrome is rare, it has severe manifestations and mortality can be reduced, if timely diagnosed and managed.