Suspected Post-intubation Onset of Lemierre Syndrome: A Case Report

Lemierre syndrome (LS) is an infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) that typically occurs in previously healthy, young individuals after a recent oropharyngeal bacterial illness. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old female who presented six days after trauma to the oropharynx from intubation for lumbar interbody fusion with fever, dysphagia, and pain and swelling of the neck. Imaging confirmed IJV thrombosis spanning C2 to C5; however, blood cultures were negative on two separate occasions. Treatment with IV antibiotics led to rapid clinical improvement compared to baseline.