ABSTRACT
The purpose of this case report and discussion is to heighten the awareness of Lemierres syndrome (postanginal sepsis). Affected patients present in various fields of medicine and an increased incidence of "the forgotten disease" may be expected. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the most common pathogen. The clinical course includes a primary head or neck infection with thrombosis of the internal jugular vein with subsequent septic pulmonary embolization. The syndrome bears considerable morbidity and even mortality. People aged 15-25 years are commonly affected. Early diagnosis through positive blood culture and confirmation of jugular vein thrombosis combined with prompt antibiotic treatment and source control is mandatory in the management of Lemierre's syndrome. Assessment of vital organ function is recommended across the continuum of care as this facilitates recognition and initiation of therapeutic measures to counteract a complicated clinical course.
