Lemierre症候群の2例

抄録

Lemierre syndrome is a rare complication of acute laryngopharyngeal infection characterized by thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and disseminated infection. Although, with the spread of antimicrobial agents, Lemierre syndrome is now referred to as a “forgotten disease”, it should still be borne in mind, in patients with prolonged laryngopharyngeal symptoms, as one of the life-threatening complications requiring prompt detection and appropriate management.

Herein, we present two cases of Lemierre syndrome. In both patients, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed not only thrombosis in the internal jugular vein, but also septic pulmonary emboli. Both patients showed satisfactory recovery in response to intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy.

In patients with prolonged inflammatory symptoms after a recent laryngopharyngeal infection, a contrast-enhanced CT should be considered to exclude the possibility of Lemierre syndrome.