Chest | 2019
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: A RARE CASE OF ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME AND HYPER-HEMOLYSIS IN A SICKLE CELL PATIENT SECONDARY TO LEMIERRE’S SYNDROME
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Lemierre’s syndrome is classically a phlebitis of the internal jugular vein and anaerobic sepsis secondary to oropharyngeal infection. A bacterium, usually fusobacterium necrophorum, progresses to form an abscess. The abscess ruptures and bacteria infect nearby tissue especially vasculature. Inflammation surrounding the veins leads to compression and blood clot formation. Lemierre’s syndrome has been called “the forgotten disease,” as antibiotics have drastically decreased its incidence. In recent years, there has been an increase in the reporting of Lemierre’s syndrome. It is unclear whether this is due to publishing trends, bacterial resistance or restricted use of antibiotics for perceived uncomplicated pharyngitis.