scholarly journals Lemierre’s syndrome in a child

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.

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.


Author(s):  
David Nygren ◽  
Johan Elf ◽  
Gustav Torisson ◽  
Karin Holm

Abstract Background Lemierre’s syndrome is typically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum where an oropharyngeal infection is followed by septic internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis with subsequent septic embolization. Yet, the pathogenesis of septic thrombophlebitis, differences dependent on presence of jugular vein thrombosis and the role of anticoagulant therapy are insufficiently understood. Methods Patients with invasive infection with F. necrophorum and Lemierre’s syndrome who had been investigated for jugular vein thrombosis were included from a previous population-based observational study in Sweden. Medical records were reviewed and compared in patients with and without jugular vein thrombosis. Then, patients with jugular vein thrombosis were compared by exposure to therapeutic, prophylactic or no anticoagulation. Outcomes examined were thrombosis progression, early or late peripheral septic complications, chronic major sequelae, 30-day mortality and major bleeding. Results 51/82 (62%) radiologically investigated patients with Lemierre’s syndrome had jugular vein thrombosis. Patients with jugular vein thrombosis had lower platelet levels (median 76 vs 112 x10^9/L, p=0.04) on presentation and more days to defervesence (12 vs. 7 days, p=0.03), yet similar rates of major sequelae and 30-day-mortality. No significant differences in outcomes were seen between patients with jugular vein thrombosis exposed to therapeutic, prophylactic or no anticoagulation therapy, yet study outcomes were rare. Conclusion Patients with Lemierre’s syndrome with jugular vein thrombosis were more severely affected, yet had similar prognosis. Most patients with jugular vein thrombosis recovered well without therapeutic anticoagulation therapy, though adverse events were similarly rare in anticoagulated patients. The observational design and rarity of study outcomes requires cautious interpretation.


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.


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.


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 ◽  
pp. practneurol-2021-002928
Author(s):  
Eng Chuan Foo ◽  
Matthew Tanti ◽  
Helen Cliffe ◽  
Marc Randall

Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that follows an oropharyngeal infection, typically from Fusobacterium necrophorum, and usually affects healthy adolescents or young adults. The characteristic features are septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic embolism leading to multiorgan involvement, commonly the brain, lungs and bones. We report a man with presenting symptoms suggesting hemicrania continua, whose initial imaging showed no features of dural venous sinus or jugular thrombosis. Two weeks later, he had fever, sore throat, cervical lymphadenopathy and Actinomyces meyeri grew from peripheral blood cultures. Further imaging identified thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and cerebral venous sinuses, with multifocal cavitating lung lesions. Following antibiotics and anticoagulation, he recovered without residual deficits. Lemierre’s syndrome when recognised and treated early has a good prognosis but delayed treatment may result in significant morbidity or mortality.


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