Endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to Lemierre’s Syndrome originating from pharyngotonsillitis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this article is to report a case of Lemierre’s Syndrome producing unilateral endogenous endophthalmitis in a healthy, young woman with a history of tonsillitis. Case report/observations A 17-year-old healthy woman developed fever after a few days of sore throat. She later developed pneumonia with septic signs, leading to admission to the Intensive Care Unit. Lemierre Syndrome was diagnosed due to multiple septic pulmonary emboli and signs of sepsis following a recent episode of tonsillitis. During hospitalization, the patient complained of decreased visual acuity and floaters in her left eye. Ophthalmological examination revealed papillary edema, vitritis, foci of chorioretinitis in the macula and Roth’s spots, confirming the diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis. Subsequently, she underwent appropriate treatment, progressing satisfactorily. Conclusion and importance Although ophthalmological manifestations are rare, due to the pathophysiological characteristics of Lemierre’s Syndrome, all patients should underwent standard ophthalmologic assessment, even in the absence of ophthalmic symptoms or visible findings, as part of a multidisciplinary management approach.

Keywords

• Lemierre’s syndrome
• Endogenous endophthalmitis
• Thrombophlebitis