Lemierre syndrome causing empyema and pulmonary embolism: A reemerging disease from a bygone era?

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Long considered a “forgotten disease” of a bygone era, the apparent reemergence of Lemierre syndrome highlights the need for awareness of this rare condition to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Lemierre syndrome should be suspected in young adults presenting with a chest or neck infection and requires prolonged antibiotic therapy, surgical drainage of collections, and often anticoagulation.

Keywords

• bacterial infections
• fusobacterium infections
• Fusobacterium necrophorum
• Lemierre syndrome
• nasopharyngeal diseases
• post‐anginal sepsis