Fusobacterium necrophorum Septicemia Leading to Lemierre’s Syndrome in an Immunocompetent Individual: A Case Report

Abstract

Lemierre syndrome is a life-threatening condition associated with infection by obligate anaerobes residing in oropharyngeal mucosa. The most common organism responsible is Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report a case in a 69-year-old gentleman. The man with past medical history of hypertension, anxiety and chronic alcohol abuse was brought in by his family for altered mental status and fever. He had a complicated stay with septic shock on multiple pressors, his blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum and neck ultrasound showed acute thrombus of the right internal jugular vein (IJV). The patient had received intravenous antibiotics throughout stay but had poor prognosis and eventually expired after a complicated hospital stay. Lemierre syndrome is a rare syndrome usually associated with an acute oropharyngeal infection due to anaerobic bacteria leading to secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. The characteristic clinical picture noticed is a hematogenous progression to distant septic emboli. It is a life-threatening condition and a prompt diagnosis is critical for preventing fatal consequences. The purpose of this case report is to increase awareness about this clinical condition among medical professionals.