title: Lemierre's syndrome: the importance of early detection.
abstract: Sore throat is a common complaint, generally thought to be viral in origin, for which there may be a reluctance to prescribe antibiotics. This, combined with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, may explain the recent rise in the number of reports of Lemierre's syndrome (LS). LS characterises a postanginal septicaemia that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not recognised and treated early. This article describes the management of a 17-year-old boy diagnosed with LS to illustrate its classical presentation, common pitfalls in diagnosis and optimal management.
authors.affiliation: Specialty Trainee, Year 4, in Paediatrics at St Richards Hospital, Chichester.
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hawes
authors.forename: Michael John
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Linney
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Siba Prosad
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Paul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D057831:Lemierre Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology