Variant of Lemierre's syndrome with internal jugular vein aneurysm.

ABSTRACT

Internal jugular vein (IJV) aneurysm is a rare entity, and a thrombosed aneurysm poses diagnostic and management challenges. We came across a 53-year-old woman who presented with fever, vomiting and right neck swelling for a week. Laboratory investigations showed neutrophilic leucocytosis, raised acute phase reactant and blood culture yielded Klebsiella pneumoniae Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT neck revealed a large fusiform aneurysm of the right IJV with filling defect extending from the aneurysm into the right transverse sinus. There was a cavity at the right lower third molar tooth. MRI confirmed the findings with additional enhancing focus at right lower periodontal region. The swelling reduced after 2 weeks of medical therapy, and follow-up imaging 4 months later showed complete resolution of the aneurysm with residual thrombosis. After extensive workup, dental infection remains the only identifiable primary source leading to thrombophlebitis of the right IJV and subsequent sequelae.