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Document Details : Title: The Lemierre syndrome: a complicated orofaryngeal infection Author(s): LIBEER C, BOCKAERT J, VAN DEN BRANDE P, ZACHEE P, VAN DE VYVERE M, GEYSKENS W Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Date: 2005 Pages: 173-179 DOI: 10.2143/ACB.60.4.2050463 Abstract : The Lemierre syndrome or ‘necrobacillosis’ is a post angina sepsis caused by an acute orofaryngeal infection with a secondary thromboflebitis of the internal jugular vein. There are often septic emboli in the lungs, although intestinal organs can also be affected. This syndrome is caused by the strictly anaerobic gram-negative pathogen Fusobacterium necrophorum, sometimes in combination with other pathogens. The patient typically presents with high fever, pain in the neck, malaise and dyspnoea one week after the start of an angina. Plain chest radiograph shows bilateral nodular infiltrates, ultrasound reveals a thromboflebitis of the internal jugular vein. CT scan can be useful to confirm the diagnosis and possible complications. In the beginning there is often a transient hyperbilirubinemia with toxic inflammatory blood results. Under the correct antibiotic regime complete recovery can be obtained. |
