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Lemierre syndrome — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardInfectious disease emergenciesLemierre syndromeABEM Board

A 19-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 with fever, sore throat, and right-sided neck swelling. CT neck shows internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic pulmonary emboli are seen on chest CT. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Lemierre syndrome

Septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein after pharyngitis with septic pulmonary emboli is Lemierre syndrome.

Reference: IDSA head and neck infection resources; Tintinalli Emergency Medicine