Internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with Granulicatella adiacens

Abstract

Granulicatella adiacens, which occurs as part of the oral microflora, is an uncommon cause of infection. However, it can cause serious bloodstream infections including infective endocarditis. Although oral bacteria, most commonly the Fusobacterium spp, can cause internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombophlebitis, there are no reported cases of IJV thrombosis caused by G. adiacens. Here we report a patient with septic IJV thrombosis with G. adiacens bacteraemia. A middle-aged man presented to our hospital with fever and altered mental status. Blood cultures were positive for G. adiacens, and pan-scan CT with contrast showed left IJV thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and abscesses in the gluteal muscles. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics. When confronted with G. adiacens bacteraemia in patients with poor oral hygiene, it is necessary to be cautious of the fact that this organism can cause IJV thrombophlebitis.