A Rare and Dangerous Combination of COVID-19, Lemierre Syndrome, and Carotid Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract

Lemierre syndrome is a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection that causes septic thrombophlebitis in the internal jugular vein. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this condition has been dangerously overlooked and poses an even greater threat when complicated by vascular pathologies. A case is presented where the patient required emergency endovascular exclusion of a right internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to Lemierre syndrome. The treatment included stent graft placement and drainage of a neck abscess, along with appropriate antibiotic treatment during hospitalization. Recognizing this diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complexity of the disease necessitates extensive multidisciplinary collaboration for effective treatment.

Keywords

• lemierre syndrome
• thrombophlebitis
• covid-19
• staphylococcus aureus
• internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm