Isolated abducens nerve palsy secondary to Lemierre syndrome

Lemierre syndrome is characterized by pharyngotonsillitis that is typically secondary to Fusobacterium necrophorum infection and causes adjacent septic thrombophlebitis and thrombosis with subsequent metastatic abscesses. A 3-year-old boy presented with fever, tonsillar enlargement, and bilateral otomastoiditis with purulent discharge. Physical examination revealed abducens nerve palsy on the left side, with a compensatory left head turn. Otomastoid discharge culture was positive for anaerobic F. necrophorum. Magnetic resonance venography of the head and neck revealed thromboses in left internal jugular vein, left cavernous sinus, left superior ophthalmic vein, and left sigmoid sinus. The patient was treated with anticoagulation and a 10-week course of intravenous antibiotics, including ceftriaxone and metronidazole.