Lemierre syndrome, which can result from a recent oropharyngeal or odontogenic
infection, is characterized by clinical or radiographic signs of
thrombosis of the internal
jugular vein, distant infected emboli and the presence of anaerobic pathogens, usually
Fusobacterium necrophorum. The septic emboli resulting from the infected
thrombophlebitis of the internal
jugular vein give the
syndrome its constellation of
central nervous system, pulmonary and many other manifestations including
septic shock. This condition was so rare that, historically, it became known as the "forgotten
disease," but an increasing frequency of
reports indicates that
Lemierre syndrome may not be so uncommon.