Lemierre's syndrome. Sepsis complicating an anaerobic oropharyngeal infection.
Previously healthy people without interfering conditions are rarely affected by anaerobic infections. We report a young patient with extended septic emboli in the lungs, after an episode of sore throat, due to anaerobic bacteremia with Fusobacterium necrophorum. The first description of oropharyngeal infection complicated by sepsis was given by Lemierre in 1936. Knowledge of Lemierre's syndrome should lead to early recognition and prompt action against this sporadic and possible fatal illness.
De Vos
A I
AI
Department of Internal Medicine, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Reinier de Graafweg 11-13, 2625 AD, Delft, The Netherlands. a.i.devos@hetnet.nl
van Rossem
R N
RN
van Elzakker
E P
EP
Nijhuis-Heddes
J M
JM
Maartense
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003371:Cough / Q000382:microbiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005334:Fever / Q000382:microbiology; D005674:Fusobacterium Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D005675:Fusobacterium necrophorum; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009960:Oropharynx; D010146:Pain / Q000382:microbiology; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology*; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents