J Korean Radiol Soc.  2006 Jan;54(1):7-10. 10.3348/jkrs.2006.54.1.7.

Lemierre Syndrome: A Case Report

• Bae YA
• Lee IJ
• Kim HB
• Hong MS
• Lee K
• Lee Y
• Bae SH

• KMID: 2024575
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2006.54.1.7

Abstract

Lemierre syndrome is a rare disease characterized by internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic emboli, and it primarily occurs in healthy young individuals; this disease usually follows an acute oropharyngeal infection. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports about this disease have appeared in the radiologic literature. We report here the radiologic findings of a case of Lemierre syndrome in a young healthy female adolescent who had a history of acute pharyngotonsilitis. Chest radiographs showed lung nodules that displayed cavitary changes with rapid progression on the serial studies. High-resolution CT scan showed multi-focal patchy consolidations that connect with vessels, and this was suggestive of septic pulmonary embolism. Ultrasonography and CT scan of the neck revealed right internal jugular vein thrombosis.

Keyword

Thorax, CT; Lung, infection; Veins, thrombosis

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Humans
Jugular Veins
Lemierre Syndrome*
Lung
Neck
Pulmonary Embolism
Radiography, Thoracic
Rare Diseases
Thrombosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Ultrasonography