[Lemierre syndrome]

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and severe condition, with a primary focus in the cervicofacial area and followed by thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and metastatic infections, most often pulmonary. The principal pathogen is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Less rare and associated with high mortality before antibiotics, Lemierre syndrome had became exceptional until the increase in the number of cases in recent years. Recovery is usually the rule, but often only after long convalescence and often surgical intervention. The reemergence of this disease calls for a review of the literature to update knowledge about its epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects.