Jugular thrombophlebitis complicating bacterial pharyngitis (Lemierre's syndrome)

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare syndrome caused byFusobacterium necrophorum, a gram-negative anaerobic organism that normally inhabits the oropharynx. The syndrome follows primary oropharyngeal infection and affects previously healthy adolescents in a characteristic manner with fatal results if left untreated. The authors present two cases seen at their institution and discuss the clinical and radiologic features of the syndrome, along with considerations for patient management.