Lemierre's syndrome (necrobacillosis). Issue 881 (1st March 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golpe, Rafael; Marín, Belén; Alonso, Miguel
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 75:Issue 881(1999)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 1999-03-01
• Subjects: Lemierre's syndrome -- Fusobacterium necrophorum -- necrobacillosis -- septicaemia -- oropharynx; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.75.881.141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Lemierre's syndrome or postanginal septicaemia (necrobacillosis) is caused by an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the most common pathogen isolated from the patients. The interval between the oropharyngeal infection and the onset of the septicaemia is usually short. The most common sites of septic embolisms are the lungs and joints, and other locations can be affected. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose the syndrome. Computed tomography of the neck with contrast is the most useful study to detect internal jugular vein thrombosis. Treatment includes intravenous antibiotic therapy and drainage of septic foci. The role of anticoagulation is controversial. Ligation or excision of the internal jugular vein may be needed in some cases.