RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lemierre Syndrome Following Oropharyngeal Infection: A Case Series
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 79
OP 83
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2009.01.070247
VO 22
IS 1
A1 Miranda D. Lu
A1 Zubin Vasavada
A1 Christina Tanner
YR 2009
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/22/1/79.abstract
AB Lemierre syndrome is a potentially fatal complication of oropharyngeal infections that is characterized by jugular vein thrombosis and septic emboli. Fusobacterium spp. are the causative organisms. Patients typically present with high fevers, neck pain, and pulmonary symptoms. Prompt clinical diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are critical. Anticoagulation for this syndrome is controversial. We present 3 cases within a 12-month period of young, family practice patients seen with oropharyngeal infections who developed Lemierre syndrome. The incidence of Lemierre syndrome may be increasing and primary care physicians should be aware of this rare though serious condition.