Abstract
Introduction: Lemierre’s syndrome, a rare complication of oropharyngeal
infections, is caused by infective thrombophlebitis of the internal
jugular vein and subsequent development of multisystem septic emboli.
Case: A 16-year old male presented with two weeks of fever, myalgia,
malaise, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea with weight loss, and a dry cough. He
had previously been treated for pneumonia with three days of
azithromycin. Chest imaging demonstrated bilateral cavitary lung nodules
and blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum. Right jugular
thrombophlebitis was later confirmed. Discussion: Lemierre’s syndrome is
most common among previously healthy adolescents. It often presents
following mild oropharyngeal infection and may be associated with
multiple pulmonary complications including septic emboli, abscesses,
necrotizing pneumonia, empyema, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, and
acute respiratory distress syndrome. Delayed diagnosis may result in
life-threatening morbidity or mortality, so pediatric pulmonologists
must be aware of this rare disease and maintain a high index of
suspicion in cases consistent with Lemierre’s syndrome.