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An unusual case of Lemierre's syndrome presenting as pyomyositis

Nancy Crum-Cianflone1, Richard Mayer

  • 1Infectious Disease Clinic, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California 92134-1005, USA. nancy.crum@med.navy.mil

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|June 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Fusobacteria typically cause Lemierre's syndrome. However, this case highlights unusual presentations like pyomyositis and fasciitis due to Fusobacterium necrophorum, expanding the differential diagnosis for sepsis syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Fusobacteria, particularly Fusobacterium necrophorum, are recognized pathogens.
  • Lemierre's syndrome is the classic manifestation, involving sore throat, jugular vein thrombophlebitis, and septic lung emboli.

Observation:

  • A 17-year-old male presented with pyomyositis and fasciitis.
  • The patient's condition was attributed to necrobacillosis, caused by Fusobacterium spp.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates an atypical presentation of Fusobacterium infection.
  • Necrobacillosis can manifest as pyomyositis and fasciitis, deviating from the typical Lemierre's syndrome.

Implications:

  • Fusobacterium species should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with sepsis syndrome and pyomyositis.
  • Clinicians should consider unusual presentations of Fusobacterium infections beyond Lemierre's syndrome.

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