Forget-me-not: Lemierre's syndrome, a case report. Issue 2 (12th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silverberg, Benjamin; Sharon, Melinda J; Makati, Devan; Mott, Mariah; Rose, William D
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 71:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 343
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2023-02-12
• Subjects: Lemierre's syndrome -- pharyngitis -- fusobacteria -- thromboembolism -- hypoxia -- septic shock; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1899190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Familiarity breeds complacency. One case of sore throat can start to sound like another. However, even common viral and bacterial infections can lead to serious sequelae. Clinicians cannot make a diagnosis if they do not consider it in their differential. Case: The presentation – and subsequent hospitalization – of a septic 19 year-old male college student is described. Despite brief interval improvement, he became hypoxic one week after developing a sore throat and was ultimately diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome (septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein) via blood cultures and advanced imaging. Conclusions: Though rare, Lemierre's syndrome carries a high mortality rate. It should be considered an emergent complication of head and neck infections, particularly in young adults.