Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.
2007 Nov;40(11):782-785.
Lemierre Syndrome with Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A case report
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine. jvin@gnah.co.kr
- 2Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine.
- 3Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine.
Abstract
- Lemierre syndrome is caused by an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. The usual etiologic agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Lemierre syndrome was a common disease with a high mortality rate in the pre-antibiotic era. Since the advent of antibiotics and their widespread use for the treatment of pharyngeal infections, there has been a substantial decrease in the incidence of this malady and it has become a "forgotten disease". Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic therapy for Lemierre syndrome is essential to avoid morbidity and mortality. We describe here a case of Lemierre syndrome with multiple septic pulmonary emboli.
