Fusobacterium septicemia complicated by cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas: a rare case of Lemierre syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Lemierre syndrome is characterized by postanginal septicemia and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis with secondary septic emboli, typically to the lungs. The central nervous system (CNS) is rarely involved.


OBJECTIVE
To present a case of Lemierre syndrome featuring cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas.


METHODS
This case report describes the case of a 17-year-old youth with cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. The findings of chest computed tomography of the neck and the blood cultures were compatible with Lemierre syndrome. The patient recovered well after antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement.


CONCLUSIONS
Lemierre syndrome can result in infection spreading to the CNS, including cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. This disease entity should be included in the differential diagnoses of CNS bacterial infections.
Teng
Hao-Wen
HW
Department of Neurology, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.
Chen
Chia-Yuen
CY
Chen
Huan-Chieh
HC
Chung
Wen-Ting
WT
Lee
Wen-Sen
WS
D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003399:Craniotomy; D003646:Debridement; D004653:Empyema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D057831:Lemierre Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents