Lemierre's Syndrome Associated with Mechanical Ventilation and Profound Deafness
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Published on: February 29, 2020
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ev. Krankenhaus Witten gGmbH, University of Witten/Herdecke, Pferdebachstr 27, 58455 Witten, Germany.
Abstract:
Lemierre's syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by anaerobic organisms inducing a thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) following a course of oropharyngeal infection. It often occurs in young and healthy patients. Clinicians continuously misinterpret early symptoms until infection disseminates systematically and life-threatening sepsis transpires. We report the case of a 58-year-old female developing Lemierre's syndrome accompanied by invasive ventilation support and a profound deafness requiring the implementation of a cochlear implant. This is one of two reported cases of Lemierre's syndrome associated with mechanical ventilation support and the only case associated with a cochlear implant.
Insights
Lemierre's syndrome, a rare thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, can lead to severe sepsis. This case highlights a unique instance in a 58-year-old female requiring mechanical ventilation and a cochlear implant.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Lemierre's syndrome is a rare but serious complication of oropharyngeal infections, often caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- It involves thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) and can rapidly progress to sepsis.
- Early diagnosis is frequently missed, leading to delayed treatment and increased morbidity.
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