Bilateral abducens nerve palsy due to septic thrombophlebitis

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of septic thrombophlebitis producing bilateral abducens nerve palsy. Observation: A 65 year-old woman with recent sinus surgery experienced the onset of horizontal diplopia during treatment for bacteremia. Computer tomography of head and a neck ultrasonography showed right internal jugular vein occlusion. Ophthalmology examination was consistent with bilateral abducens nerve palsy. She was treated with systemic antibiotics and antiplatelet therapy with resolution of the internal jugular vein occlusion. The diplopia improved over a six-months. Conclusion and importance: Our patient had Lemierre syndrome with an unusual presentation. The patient was treated for septic thrombophlebitis with a resolution of her ocular symptoms. Keywords: Lemierre syndrome, Septic thrombophlebitis, Abducens nerve, Sixth cranial nerve