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Lemierre’s Syndrome

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Infections of the Ears, Nose, Throat, and Sinuses

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Abstract

Lemierre’s syndrome is characterized by a history of recent oropharyngeal infection and clinical or radiological evidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis, usually with septic pulmonary emboli. It is almost always caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, although rarely other organisms have been reported as etiologies. It represents a rare diagnosis and was believed to be a “forgotten disease” for many years. Lemierre’s syndrome mainly affects previously healthy young patients (teenagers and young adults). The infection has a mortality rate of 5%. It is essential for the clinician to be aware of its existence and manifestations, as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce morbidity and mortality. This chapter reviews the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Lemierre’s syndrome.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, United Kingdom

    Marios Stavrakas

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Petros D. Karkos

  3. 5th Department of Surgery, Medical School, Hippocratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Christos D. Karkos

Authors
  1. Marios Stavrakas
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  2. Petros D. Karkos
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  3. Christos D. Karkos
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Marlene L. Durand

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Daniel G. Deschler

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Stavrakas, M., Karkos, P.D., Karkos, C.D. (2018). Lemierre’s Syndrome. In: Durand, M., Deschler, D. (eds) Infections of the Ears, Nose, Throat, and Sinuses. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74835-1_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74835-1_18

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74834-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74835-1

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