Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) in the treatment of Lemierre syndrome

In 1936 Lemierre described an aggressive neck infection with a high mortality rate. In the original characterization, he describes a pharyngotonsillitis and/or peritonsillar infection followed by unilateral swelling and tenderness along the sternocleidomastoid muscle owing to septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. Subsequent to invasion and thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, Fusobacterium necrophorum septicemia occurs, with rigors, high fever, and septic thromboembolism to peripheral sites, especially the lungs and bones. This entity became known as Lemierre Syndrome. Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO2) has been described as adjunctive treatment in two cases of postanginal septicemia. This case describes the combined approach to a case of Lemierre Syndrome in which HBO2 was added as an adjunct to the treatment, with a favorable and rapid improvement in the patient's condition.