Atypical thrombophlebitis patterns in head and neck infections.

Thrombophlebitis is a known complication of head and neck infection, which can result in propagation of infected thrombi and associated complications. While antegrade/downstream propagation of thrombus is well described-the Lemierre syndrome-thrombophlebitis can spread in atypical patterns which has specific diagnostic and treatment considerations. In this series, we highlight 6 cases of atypical thrombophlebitis patterns complicating head and neck infection, 5 of which extend intracranially. Through these pathways, head and neck infections such as oral cavity, oropharynx, or skin can be the culprit of remote, including intracranial, complications, which may be overlooked. Furthermore, understanding pathways of venous drainage and communication can help accurately diagnose thrombophlebitis patterns and associated complications.

Management of Lemierre Syndrome.

Lemierre Syndrome is a rare form of septic thrombophlebitis of the head and neck veins, most typically of the internal jugular vein, which affects otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults after an oropharyngitis or other local infection. It is characterized by multiple septic embolization. Despite treatment, Lemierre Syndrome displays a high rate of in-hospital complications that include thrombus progression and a new peripheral septic embolization; moreover, it can be fatal or cause disabling sequelae. The mainstay of the treatment is antibiotic therapy; anticoagulation is often used, but its role is controversial. Surgical treatment is often necessary in case of peripheral septic lesions. In the absence of prospective studies, what little guidance exists on its management is based on case series or on analogy with similar conditions, such as other forms of septic thrombophlebitis or non-septic venous thrombosis. Over the last few years, new observational evidence has improved our knowledge of the clinical epidemiology of this condition and highlighted a number of promising management strategies. We provide an overview of the treatment patterns adopted in the contemporary era, and summarize the arguments proposed so far against or in favor of alternative treatments as well as possible decision rules on the use of anticoagulation. Moreover, we outline the priorities of ongoing and future observational and interventional research.

Management of pediatric head and neck infections in the emergency department.

Head and neck infections can spread to nearby structures, compromising the airway and progressing to life-threatening events. Pediatric head and neck infections can be difficult to recognize; emergency clinicians must know the signs and symptoms of head and neck infections for early diagnosis and urgent management in order to prevent complications and decrease hospitalization rates. This issue reviews presenting signs and symptoms of pediatric head and neck infections, discusses when diagnostic studies are indicated, and offers evidence-based recommendations for management. Conditions reviewed include mastoiditis, sinusitis, Ludwig angina, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, Lemierre syndrome, and acute suppurative thyroiditis.

A Case of Lemierre Syndrome in the Era of COVID-19: All That Glitters Is Not Gold.

We report a case of a 15-year-old female presenting with a serious multisystemic inflammatory illness during a surge of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) cases in our county. The initial clinical findings of sore throat and neck stiffness, followed by signs of sepsis, raised suspicion of Lemierre syndrome early in her hospital course. However, the presence of severe respiratory distress, multifocal pneumonia with pleural effusion on chest radiograph, acute kidney injury, and the discovery of coronary artery ectasia, pointed to the new entity "multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)." Immune modulatory treatment was thus considered. However, progressive neck pain and swelling, coupled with the eventual growth of Fusobacterium necrophorum on blood culture, eventually led to the correct diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome.

Lemierre's syndrome in an intravenous drug user.

A 29-year-old Dominican man with a history of intravenous heroin use and hepatitis C presented with a 5-day history of fever, dyspnoea, haemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, abdominal pain, haematochezia and haematemesis. Initial physical examination was significant for scleral icterus, generalised abdominal tenderness to palpation, melaena and blood-tinged sputum. Blood cultures grew Fusobacterium species. CT scan of the chest revealed multiple bilateral cavitary features in lung fields. At the same time, a neck ultrasound performed demonstrated thrombophlebitis in the right internal jugular vein, confirming the diagnosis of 'Lemierre's syndrome'. Treatment was with antibiotics and supportive care for 6 weeks.

A unique case of Lemierre's syndrome status post blunt cervical trauma.

BACKGROUND: Lemierre's syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition. The course is characterized by acute tonsillopharyngitis, bacteremia, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and septic embolization. There have been some cases secondary to penetrating trauma to the neck. Literature review has yielded no cases secondary to blunt neck trauma in the absence of oropharyngeal injury. We aim to shed light on this unique cause of Lemierre's syndrome, so as to raise the index of suspicion for clinicians working up patients with blunt cervical trauma. METHODS: We present a case of a 25-year-old male restrained driver who presented with left neck and shoulder pain with a superficial abrasion to the left neck from the seatbelt who was discharged same day by the Emergency Room physicians. He returned to the Emergency Department two days later with abdominal pain. As a part of his repeat evaluation, a set of blood cultures were sent and was sent home that day. The patient was called back to the hospital one day later as preliminary blood cultures were positive for Gram positive cocci and Gram negative anaerobes. Computerized tomography scan of the neck revealed extensive occlusive left internal jugular vein thrombosis and fluid collections concerning for abscesses, concerning for septic thrombophlebitis. The patient continued to decompensate, developing severe sepsis complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation. RESULTS: The patient underwent a left neck exploration with en bloc resection of the left internal jugular vein, drainage of abscesses deep to the sternocleidomastoid, and washout/debridement of necrotic tissue. Direct laryngoscopy at the time of surgery revealed no injury to the aerodigestive tract. Wound cultures were consistent with blood cultures and grew Fusobacterium necrophorum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. The patient underwent two subsequent operative wound explorations without any evidence of residual infection. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 13 on a course of antibiotics and aspirin. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome after an unconventional inciting event (blunt cervical trauma) and appropriate treatment.

Lemierre Syndrome: Clinical Update and Protocol for a Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.

Lemierre syndrome usually affects otherwise healthy adolescents or young adults and occurs at an overall rate of 1 to 10 cases per million person-years with an estimated fatality rate of 4 to 9%. Diagnostic criteria remain debated and include acute neck/head bacterial infection (often tonsillitis caused by anaerobes at high potential for sepsis and vascular invasion, notably Fusobacterium necrophorum) complicated by local vein thrombosis, usually involving the internal jugular vein, and systemic septic embolism. Medical treatment is based on antibiotic therapy with anaerobic coverage, anticoagulant drugs and supportive care in case of sepsis. Surgical procedures can be required, including drainage of the abscesses, tissue debridement and jugular vein ligation. Evidence for clinical management is extremely poor in the absence of any adequately sized study with clinical outcomes. In this article, we illustrate two cases of Lemierre syndrome not caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum and provide a clinically oriented discussion on the main issues on epidemiology, pathophysiology and management strategies of this disorder. Finally, we summarize the study protocol of a proposed systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of the literature. Our ongoing work aims to investigate the risk of new thromboembolic events, major bleeding or death in patients diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome, and to better elucidate the role of anticoagulant therapy in this setting. This effort represents the starting point for an evidence-based treatment of Lemierre syndrome built on multinational interdisciplinary collaborative studies.

Infections of the Neck.

Infection of the neck is a relatively common emergency department complaint. If not diagnosed and managed promptly, it may quickly progress to a life-threatening infection. These infections can result in true airway emergencies that may require fiberoptic or surgical airways. This article covers common, as well as rare but emergent, presentations and uses an evidence-based approach to discuss diagnostic and treatment modalities.

[The treatment of Lemierre syndrome associated with cervical necrotizing fascitis].

Lemierre syndrome is a rare, potentially fatal condition characterized by internal jugular vein thrombosis following an acute oropharyngeal infection, often accompanied with cervical necrotizing fasciitis. This paper reviews 5 cases of Lemierre syndrome with cervical necrotizing fasciitis, extensive cervical drainage and sufficient antibiotics is crucial treatment for Lemierre syndrome, anticoagulation combined with antibiotics is safe and effective for propagation or nonresolution of the thrombus.

Lemierre's syndrome: a rare cause of sepsis presenting with an absence of throat symptoms.

A 16-year-old boy presented to hospital with a 6-day history of diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. During his admission he was found to be hypotensive, tachycardic and persistently feverish. Blood cultures taken on admission isolated Fusobacterium necrophorum CT scanning of his neck showed a non-occlusive thrombus of the right internal jugular vein and a small right parapharyngeal abscess. CT scans of the chest and abdomen revealed multiple pulmonary abscesses, bilateral pleural effusions and splenomegaly. Treatment consisted of an unfractionated heparin infusion and intravenous antibiotics. A right-sided intercostal drain was inserted for a complex right-sided empyema. He subsequently developed a left-sided pleural effusion which was treated with a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis procedure. His fever resolved after his VATS pleurodesis procedure 3 weeks after initial presentation. Clinically he made a slow recovery but now is improved after 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics and was discharged home.

Lesson of the month 1: Lemierre's syndrome: a reminder of the 'forgotten disease'.

Lemierre's syndrome is a condition characterised by suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular (IJ) vein following a recent oropharyngeal infection, with resulting septicaemia and metastatic lesions. It is strongly associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum, a Gram-negative bacilli. Key to early diagnosis is awareness of the classical history and course of this illness, and therefore to ask about a history of recent oropharyngeal infections when a young patient presents with fever and rigors. Diagnosis can be confirmed by showing thrombophlebitis of the IJ vein, culturing F necrophorum from normally sterile sites or demonstrating metastatic lesions in this clinical setting. The cornerstone of management is draining of purulent collection where possible and prolonged courses of appropriate antibiotics. In this article, we review a case study of a young man with Lemierre's syndrome and discuss the condition in more detail.

[Lemierre's syndrome: Diagnosis, exploration, treatment]. / Syndrome de Lemierre : diagnostic, exploration, traitement.

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and severe sepsis that can rapidly lead to a life-threatening condition in the absence of early management. This syndrome described at the beginning of the 20th century combines oropharyngeal infection complicated with septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and septic emboli predominantly pulmonary. Fusobacterium necrophorum, anaerobic germ, Gram negative bacillus is the main germ in this "necrobacillosis". The diagnosis is should be confirmed precociously with cervicothoracic CT-scan, reference exam, and bacteriological examinations (especially in atypical forms). Its management consists of an emergency antibiotic treatment, combining a third-generation cephalosporin or a betalactam with metronidazole, anticoagulant therapy to be reserved for high-risk situations related to thrombosis. Surgical treatment may be required.

Neonatal Lemierre Syndrome: Youngest Reported Case and Literature Review.

A previously healthy 5-week-old female was admitted for sepsis secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. After several days of hospitalization, she experienced acute decompensation in mental status despite having received targeted antibiotic therapy. Imaging revealed left peritonsillar/parapharyngeal space abscess, left venous thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, and septic emboli of the lungs and brain consistent with Lemierre syndrome. Bedside needle aspiration of the parapharyngeal abscess confirmed MRSA involvement. Unfortunately, the patient continued to deteriorate over the next several days and life support was withdrawn on hospital day 16. We present the youngest reported case of Lemierre syndrome and review the literature.

FDG-PET/CT as a New Method for Diagnosis and Whole-Body Evaluation of Lemierre Syndrome.

Lemierre syndrome is a rare disease that is defined by a pharyngeal infection, complicated by septicemia and internal jugular vein thrombosis followed by septic emboli. Because of its rarity, a delay in diagnosis is not uncommon. However, given the mortality rate of approximately 2%, prompt diagnosis and detection of septic emboli are essential to initiate prompt treatment, preventing organ damage and ongoing sepsis. We present 3 cases that demonstrate the value of FDG-PET/CT as a possible alternative or adjunct to conventional imaging methods for diagnosis and whole-body evaluation of Lemierre syndrome.

Lemierre Disease: A Case With Multilevel Epidural Abscess and Aggressive Neurological Weakness: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Lemierre disease is a rare postanginal sepsis caused by the anaerobe Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is associated with a pharyngitis that progresses quickly to thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and metastatic abscesses to pulmonary, soft tissue, articular, and organ systems. It is rarely associated with spinal epidural abscesses. Because of the increasing antibiotic resistance, its incidence is on the rise. METHODS: A single-patient case report of an adolescent male who initially presented to our institution for bacteremia and febrile episodes. Over a 1-week course, he developed severe back pain and progressive lower extremity weakness. Advanced imaging revealed an epidural abscess spanning T2-L3 level with extension into the psoas and the paraspinal musculature. Acute management consisted of broad-spectrum intravenous (IV) antibiotics and hemilaminectomy decompression from T2 to L3. The patient completed a 6-week course of IV antibiotics and was followed for a 1-year time period with close clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Blood cultures identified the infecting organism as F. necrophorum. The combination of IV antibiotics and acute hemilaminectomy decompression resulted in successful clearance of the infecting organism with normalization of inflammatory markers and cultures. The patient noted immediate and sustained neurological improvement, with return of full motor and sensory function. At the 1-year timepoint, the patient was able to return to sports and no sagittal/coronal imbalance was noted on radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive case of Lemierre disease with extensive epidural abscess formation and neurological weakness was successfully managed with the combination of IV antibiotics and extensive hemilaminectomies for decompression. The patient exhibited no long-term sequela as a result of either the epidural abscess or of its treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.