Lemierre's syndrome
About Lemierre's syndrome
Lemierre's Syndrome is a form of blood vessel inflammation (thrombophlebitis) caused, most commonly, by a bacteria called Fusobacterium necrophorum. This bacteria is normally present in the mouth but usually does not thrive unless an abscess (pocket of pus) caused by another bacteria such as streptococcus is present. Once Fusobacterium necrophorum multiplies in the abscess, it can then travel from the abscess to the internal jugular vein and cause an infected clot. This clot (septic emboli) can then break off and travel to the lungs resulting in serious infection and pneumonia. The disease is most common in young, healthy adults and the mortality rate has been reported to be as high as fifteen percent.Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of disease and the organ systems involved. Usually, symptoms start with fever, sore throat, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. After the infection has spread, symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, muscle pain, jaw pain and jaundice (yellow skin color). Other symptoms may include headache, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and facial nerve paralysis.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be performed. Blood tests and imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan are often required to make the diagnosis.Common tests: Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Antibiotic therapy and admission to the hospital are the mainstay of treatment. The abscesses caused by the disease often require surgical drainage if they are unresponsive to medical treatment. Blood thinners may also be used to help remove the infected blood clots.Medical specialties
General Surgery · Internal Medicine · Vascular Surgery · Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Lemierre's syndrome.