Serious consequences of a sore throat.
Lemierre's syndrome, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, is a potentially fatal sequelae of a sore throat characterised by septicaemia, internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis and metastatic abscesses. The Chief Medical Officer reported in February 2001 that the incidence is increasing. Two cases seen in one year, with different presentations, are reported. The first patient presented with sepsis, jaundice, hepatic abscesses and portal vein/superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, whilst the second presented with sepsis, sore throat and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis. Both patients were treated with antibiotics and anticoagulants with a favourable outcome.
Clarke
M G
MG
Department of Intensive Care, Taunton & Somerset Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, UK.
Kennedy
N J
NJ
Kennedy
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005674:Fusobacterium Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005675:Fusobacterium necrophorum; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008642:Mesenteric Veins; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D011169:Portal Vein; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants