Septic jugular thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism: a case report

Bacterial oropharyngeal infections in healthy young people rarely give rise to life threatening complications. Lemierre's disease, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, manifests as pharyngitis, jugular venous thrombosis and septic pulmonary embolism. A previously fit young male presenting with prolonged pharyngitis, complicated by severe pneumonia and septicaemia is presented. Recognition of this syndrome and early antibiotic therapy can prevent significant morbidity in otherwise healthy people. (author abstract)