Fact-sheet: Lemierre syndrom
Updated on 09/17/2021 at 12:16 PM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
Lemierre syndrom is a septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and, more broadly, of a cephalic vein, which may be complicated by septic pulmonary emboli or even osteoarticular, hepatic, or renal emboli.
Rare condition.
Mortality 5 to 10%.
It complicates an oropharyngeal infection (sore throat, but also any ENT or odontogenic infectious focus) in an immunocompetent patient.
Most common organism: Fusobacterium necrophorum, a Gram-negative bacillus.
It is associated with mononucleosis in 10% of cases.
Clinical features
Immunocompetent adolescent or young adult (diabetes, lupus, corticosteroid therapy may be predisposing factors).
Fever, asthenia, odynophagia, sometimes lateral cervical pain.
Respiratory symptoms, hemoptysis.
Digestive symptoms.
Management
Antibiotic therapy for 3 to 6 weeks. Anticoagulation +/- surgical drainage of abscesses.