Lemierre's syndrome: A rare complication of otitis media

Abstract

Lemierre's syndrome, also known as septic internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, is an extremely rare complication of chronic otitis media, which can be fatal if not managed on time. A 28-year-old female presented to us with left sided otorrhea lasting from 1 month, headache, fever with chills and rigors since 10 days. This was accompanied by torticollis and tenderness along the course of the left internal jugular vein. Otological examination revealed features of chronic suppurative otitis media squamosal type. Computerized tomography revealed features of an occluding thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein up to the left brachiocephalic vein. We performed a canal wall down mastoidectomy for the left ear. The internal jugular vein was not ligated. Patient recovered well after the surgery.