Grave Complication of Pharyngitis: Lemierre syndrome

Fusobacterium necrophorum is the causative agent in the pharyngitis. After invasion of the oropharyngeal mucosa by the organism leads to the development of the grave complications like superficial thrombophlebitis of internal jugular vein, septic emboli in the lung and coagulopathy. A 23-year-old male presented with chief complaints of sore throat, headache and high grade fever with past history of upper respiratory tract infection one month ago. On examination, he had high grade fever, tachycardia, hypotension and tender cervical lymph nodes. Oropharyngeal mucosa appeared ooedematous and congested. Leucocytosis with raised ESR was present. Blood culture positive for Fusobacterium necrophorum. Dilated right IJV with the hypoechoic thrombosis seen on Ultrasonography & Doppler. Patient was diagnosed as a case of Lemierre syndrome secondary to oropharyngeal infection was made. He was treated with intravenous imipenem and metronidazole, and then shifted to oral amoxicillin. After completion of full course of the therapy of 6 weeks, patient was improved clinically and all routine blood investigations were normalized. Blood culture was negative for Fusobacterium necrophorum. No evidence of thrombosis within the right internal jugular vein on Doppler.