Fusobacterium Septicemia Complicated by Cerebral Subdural and Epidural Empyemas: A Rare Case of Lemierre Syndrome

Abstract Background Lemierre syndrome is characterized by postanginal septicemia and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis with secondary septic emboli, typically to the lungs. The central nervous system (CNS) is rarely involved. Objective To present a case of Lemierre syndrome featuring cerebral s...

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Published inThe Journal of emergency medicine Vol. 43; no. 4; pp. 671 - 673
Main Authors Teng, Hao-Wen, MD, Chen, Chia-Yuen, MD, Chen, Huan-Chieh, MD, Chung, Wen-Ting, MD, Lee, Wen-Sen, MD
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2012
Subjects
Adolescent
Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use
Antibiotics
central nervous system
Craniotomy
Debridement
Emergency
Empyema - diagnostic imaging
Empyema - microbiology
Empyema - therapy
Empyema, Subdural - diagnostic imaging
Empyema, Subdural - microbiology
Empyema, Subdural - therapy
epidural empyema
Epidural Space - diagnostic imaging
Epidural Space - microbiology
Fusobacterium
Humans
internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis
Lemierre syndrome
Lemierre Syndrome - complications
Lemierre Syndrome - drug therapy
Male
Radiography
Sepsis - complications
subdural empyema
subdural empyema
internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis
Lemierre syndrome
epidural empyema
central nervous system
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Summary:Abstract Background Lemierre syndrome is characterized by postanginal septicemia and internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis with secondary septic emboli, typically to the lungs. The central nervous system (CNS) is rarely involved. Objective To present a case of Lemierre syndrome featuring cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. Case Report This case report describes the case of a 17-year-old youth with cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. The findings of chest computed tomography of the neck and the blood cultures were compatible with Lemierre syndrome. The patient recovered well after antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement. Conclusion Lemierre syndrome can result in infection spreading to the CNS, including cerebral subdural and epidural empyemas. This disease entity should be included in the differential diagnoses of CNS bacterial infections.
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ISSN:0736-4679
2352-5029
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2010.04.033