Lemierre’s Syndrome

Lemierre’s syndrome is an inflammation of the internal jugular vein that occurs as a complication of bacterial throat infections. This complication is more common in young patients. Inflammation of the vein can spread and be a cause of sepsis. Lemierre’s syndrome typically occurs after a severe throat infection, when a peritonsillar abscess forms. Anaerobic bacteria can also develop in the deep abscess. When the abscess ruptures, bacteria enter the surrounding tissues, including the internal jugular vein.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology