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Lemierre syndrome in a child with recent pharyngitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Jonnathan Moore Busko  and
Wayne Triner
Jonnathan Moore Busko*
Affiliation:
Carolinas Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Wayne Triner
Affiliation:
Albany Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, MC-139, Albany, NY
*
4525 Statesville Rd., Charlotte NC 28269; 704 943-6065, fax 704 963-6001, jonnathanb@medic911.com

Abstract

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A 14-year-old boy presented with fever and progressive respiratory distress, one week after an episode of pharyngitis. Although there was a concern about pulmonary embolism secondary to a lower extremity fracture, his presentation was most consistent with Lemierre syndrome. This syndrome is an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of otolaryngological infections. Early recognition and aggressive antibiotic therapy are critical elements in reducing mortality. Emergency physicians should be aware of this syndrome because its incidence appears to be increasing.

Keywords

pediatricinfectious diseasefusobacterLemierre syndromediagnosistreatment
Type
Case Report • Observations de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , July 2004 , pp. 285 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2004

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