Lemierre's syndrome: postanginal sepsis due to anaerobic oropharyngeal infection

Lemierre's syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity. It consists of oropharyngeal infection and anaerobic bacteremia, followed by jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis with embolization to lungs and other areas. Although it occurs less frequently than in the pre-antibiotic era, it is important that the typical presentation be recognized because of its lethal potential. A case of Lemierre's syndrome in Louisville, Kentucky, is described.