Otogenic Lemierre’s Syndrome With Bilateral Metastatic Pneumonia: Report of an Unusual Case in a Male

Abstract

Lemierre’s syndrome manifests as thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein caused by anaerobic bacteria, particularly Fusobacterium necrophorum [1]. In general, Lemierre's syndrome occurs following oropharyngeal infections, while cases of otogenic Lemierre's syndrome precipitated by acute otitis media and mastoiditis have been reported in pediatric patients [2], but such cases are rare in adults. Lemierre's syndrome can also be a life-threatening condition owing to the possibility of metastatic infection affecting many organ systems and the consequential risk of severe sepsis [3]. Our case report describes an adult with otogenic Lemierre's syndrome complicated by metastatic severe bilateral pneumonia presenting with atypical symptoms and requiring aggressive surgical and antibiotic treatment.