Lemierre’s syndrome or re-emerging disease: Case report and literature review

Highlights • Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal entity. • Lemierre syndrome (Ls) is a rare septic thromboembolic complication of an infection of the oropharyngeal. • The incidence of Lemierre’s disease appears to be increasing. • A multidisciplinary approach is major point to treat patients with Lemierre’s syndrome.
Introduction Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal entity characterized by the spread of an oropharyngeal infection, with secondary suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic emboli. Presentation of case We discuss the case of a 52-year-old male who developed Lemierre’s syndrome following peritonsillar abscess. He presented with submandibular and submental swelling extending into the neck. His management included; incision and drainage of the abscesses; and prolonged anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion The incidence of Lemierre's disease appears to be increasing, perhaps due to ignorance of the disease by many clinicians, and diagnosis is often delayed with potentially fatal consequences.