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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Septic Internal Jugular Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report
Daniel Kowalczyk1, George Ubiñas1
1University of Missouri, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia, Missouri.
Introduction:
Lemierre syndrome is characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, classically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is typically seen after an episode of pharyngitis where the palatine tonsils or peritonsillar mucosa is affected. It is thought to spread locally into the pharyngeal space toward the internal jugular vein.
Case Report:
A 42-year-old male with progressively worsening, atraumatic right-sided neck pain was discovered to have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, septic thrombophlebitis of the right dural venous sinuses, skull base osteomyelitis, and otomastoiditis.
Conclusion:
While septic thrombophlebitis of the dural venous sinuses and internal jugular vein is typically caused by F necrophorum and usually comes from local pharyngeal spread, community-acquired MRSA is an emerging cause of this pathology.
Insights
Lemierre syndrome, typically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, can also be caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This case highlights MRSA as an emerging pathogen in Lemierre syndrome, involving dural venous sinuses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Lemierre syndrome classically involves septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, often originating from pharyngitis caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum.
- The condition typically arises from local spread within the pharyngeal space to the internal jugular vein.
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