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Thrombophlebitis of the head and neck: report of two cases

Masahiro Nakayama1, Keiji Tabuchi, Masatake Nomura

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan.

Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|March 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Septic thrombophlebitis, a rare head and neck infection complication, is treatable with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and clinical suspicion are crucial for successful outcomes in these potentially fatal conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Septic thrombophlebitis of the head and neck is a rare complication of infections, increasingly uncommon due to antibiotic advancements.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment are vital, as delayed diagnosis can lead to severe morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

  • Two cases are presented: a 7-year-old girl with mastoiditis and sinus thrombophlebitis secondary to acute otitis media, and a 39-year-old woman with Lemierre's syndrome involving internal jugular vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli secondary to a peritonsillar abscess.

Findings:

  • Both patients were successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics.
  • Diagnostic imaging, including CT and MRI, was essential in identifying the extent of thrombophlebitis and associated complications.

Implications:

  • This case series highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for septic thrombophlebitis in head and neck infections.
  • Early clinical suspicion and prompt diagnostic workup are essential for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes in these rare but serious conditions.

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