Ligation Of Internal Jugular Vein Research Articles

Revisiting Virchow’s triad: exploring the cellular and molecular alterations in cerebral venous congestion

BackgroundCerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but serious condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Virchow’s triad elucidates the role of blood hypercoagulability, blood flow dynamics, and endothelial damage in the pathogenesis of CVT. Cerebral venous congestion (CVC) increases the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and can lead to recurrent episodes and residual symptoms. However, the precise mechanism by which blood congestion leads to thrombosis remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the cellular and molecular alterations linked to CVC through analysis of the pathological morphology of venous sinus endothelial cells and transcriptomic profiling.ResultsThis study demonstrated a remarkable correlation between CVC and the phenotypic transformation of endothelial cells from an anticoagulant to a procoagulant state. The findings revealed that cerebral venous stasis results in tortuous dilatation of the venous sinuses, with slow blood flow and elevated pressure in the sinuses and damaged endothelial cells of the retroglenoid and internal jugular vein ligation (JVL) rat model. Mechanistically, analysis of transcriptomic results of cerebral venous sinus endothelial cells showed significant activation of platelet activation, complement and coagulation cascades pathway in the JVL rats. Furthermore, the expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and coagulation factor VIII (F8) in the complement and coagulation cascades and Fgg and F2 in the platelet activation was increased in the cerebral venous sinuses of JVL rats than in sham rats, suggesting that endothelial cell injury in the venous sinus induced by CVC has a prothrombotic effect. In addition, endothelial cell damage accelerates coagulation and promotes platelet activation. Significantly, the concentrations of vWF, F2 and F8 in venous sinus blood of patients with internal jugular vein stenosis were higher than in their peripheral blood.ConclusionCollectively, our data suggest that CVC can induce endothelial cell damage, which then exhibits a procoagulant phenotype and ultimately increases the risk of CVT. This research contributes to our understanding of the pathophysiology of CVC associated with procoagulant factors and reexamines the components of Virchow’s triad in the context of CVC.

Surgical intervention of Lemierre’s syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundLemierre’s syndrome is a fatal and rare disease that is typically characterized by oropharyngeal infection and internal jugular vein thrombosis. Timely institution of appropriate antibiotics is the standard treatment.Case presentationThe authors report a case of Lemierre’s syndrome. A 67-year-old male patient of Han ethnicity in China suffered from a large inflammatory neck mass involving left internal jugular vein thrombosis diagnosed as Lemierre’s syndrome and finally cured by surgical treatment. In addition, a literature review was carried out through PubMed using the terms “Lemierre’s syndrome/disease and review, meta-analysis or retrospective study” and “Lemierre’s syndrome/disease and internal jugular vein”. This search yielded six articles that recorded surgical methods such as drainage, craniotomy, tooth extraction, and ligation of the occluded vein to give clinicians more ideas about the treatment of the Lemierre’s syndrome.ConclusionThis is the first review to summarize the conditions under which surgical treatment are conducted. Additionally, this is the first report of such a large inflammatory neck mass that was completely cured by surgical resection and internal jugular vein ligation. The authors also offer several conclusions regarding surgical intervention in Lemierre’s syndrome for the first time.

THU535 Anti-angiogenic Multi-kinase Inhibitor In NUTM1 Rearranged Carcinoma Of Thyroid

Abstract Disclosure: S. Tella: None. J.C. Morris: None. M. Rivera: None. S. Gupta: None. M.M. Ryder: None. Introduction: NUT carcinoma is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma defined by NUTM1 rearrangements encoding NUT-fusion oncoproteins with a very dismal prognosis. Recent data showed that NUTM1 rearranged carcinoma of the thyroid can mimic other thyroid primaries but NSD3-NUTM1 fusions aid in the diagnosis. Other than systemic chemotherapy with ifosfamide-based therapies and bromodomain inhibitors, therapeutic options for metastatic NUTM1 rearranged carcinoma of thyroid are limited. Herein, we describe a case of NUTM1 carcinoma of thyroid that had an impressive response to lenvatinib. Clinical case: We describe a case of a 41-year-old Caucasian male who presented to urgent care with acute onset aphonia and was eventually diagnosed with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma of size 4 x 4 cms extending into the internal jugular vein. He was managed with partial resection of the mass, internal jugular vein ligation, and a right select neck dissection. He had R2 resection due to possible vascular or airway invasion. As such, he received external beam radiation 70 Gy with 35 fractions with concurrent cisplatin followed by 200 mci radio-iodine therapy. The radiation therapy was complicated by the formation of a tracheo-esophageal fistula. A follow-up FDG-avid PET scan demonstrated residual thyroid bed disease and oligometastatic disease in bones. He received a couple of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy twice for bone lesions. Unfortunately, he had rapid disease progression with large pleural-based nodules and histology showed poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. NUT1 IHC stain was negative. We simultaneously obtained next-generation sequencing (NGS) and started him on lenvatinib 20 mg. Interestingly, NGS showed NSD3-NUTM1 fusions favoring the diagnosis of NUTM1 rearranged carcinoma of thyroid. He had an impressive partial response to lenvatinib within 4 weeks of initiation of lenvatinib and the response is sustained on 8-month follow-up. He tolerated lenvatinib reasonably without any unexpected complications. In an event of progression, we intend to consider a clinical trial, chemotherapy in combination with bromodomain inhibitors, or another anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Conclusions: We noticed an impressive and sustained partial response in NUTM1 rearranged carcinoma of thyroid with anti-angiogenic multi-kinase inhibitor, lenvatinib opening new avenues of targeted therapy in the therapeutic landscape of NUT1 carcinomas. Importantly, NUT1 stain could be negative and NGS is the gold standard for accurate diagnosis. Although our study is limited by one case report, we hope that by highlighting the spectrum of this disease that more cases will be recognized, facilitating risk stratification and improved treatment, and further enabling future studies to explore the clinical management and biology of NUTM1 rearranged carcinoma of thyroid. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Cerebral venous congestion exacerbates cerebral microhemorrhages in mice.

Cerebral microhemorrhages (CMHs; microbleeds), which are small focal intracerebral hemorrhages, importantly contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Although recently it has been increasingly recognized that the venous side of the cerebral circulation likely plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of cerebrovascular and brain disorders, its role in the pathogenesis of CMHs has never been studied. The present study was designed to experimentally test the hypothesis that venous congestion can exacerbate the genesis of CMHs. Increased cerebral venous pressure was induced by internal and external jugular vein ligation (JVL) in C57BL/6 mice in which systemic hypertension was induced by treatment with angiotensin II plus L-NAME. Histological analysis (diaminobenzidine staining) showed that mice with JVL developed multiple CMHs. CMHs in mice with JVL were often localized adjacent to veins and venules and their morphology was consistent with venous origin of the bleeds. In brains of mice with JVL, a higher total count of CMHs was observed compared to control mice. CMHs were distributed widely in the brain of mice with JVL, including the cortical gray matter, brain stem, the basal ganglia, subcortical white matter, cerebellum, and the hippocampi. In mice with JVL, there were more CMHs predominantly in cerebral cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum than in control mice. CMH burden, defined as total CMH volume, also significantly increased in mice with JVL. Thus, cerebral venous congestion can exacerbate CMHs. These observations have relevance to the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment associated with right heart failure as well as elevated cerebral venous pressure due to jugular venous reflux in older adults.

Incidence and Clinical Analysis of Complications of Neck Dissection.

The aim of the study was to assess and evaluate the incidence of complications related to type of neck dissection to different variables. Retrospective study was conducted on patients who reported to our craniofacial centre between 2010 and 2019 and underwent neck dissection for evaluation of complications related to it. Records of all patients were analysed for complications which were alienated into intra-operative, immediate post-operative (within 10days) and post-operative complications. 256 patients, 141 male and 115 female aged between 25 and 70years operated for squamous cell carcinoma were included. The overall incidence of complications was 32.8%. Intra-operative complications were haemorrhage 14%, nerve injury 5.4%, inadvertent internal jugular vein ligation 0.3%, chyle leak 0.3%. No incidence of carotid blow out. Immediate post-operative complications were hematoma formation 7%, salivary fistula in 2.3% and re-exploration was done in 1.5% cases. Post-operative complications noted were wound dehiscence in 22.6%, infection in 20.7%, hematoma in 2.7%, salivary fistula in 11.7% and nerve injury in 0.3% cases. Neck dissection is a challenging and therapeutic procedure. Prevention of major complications like carotid blow-out, injury to brachial plexus, vagus nerve or hypoglossal nerve requires thorough knowledge of neck anatomy.

Follicular Variant of Papillary Carcinoma Thyroid with Massive Angioinvasion of the Internal Jugular Vein: Our Approach

Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid is an aggressive variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid. It is more commonly associated with extrathyroidal extension and regional lymphadenopathy. It can rarely be associated with microscopic vascular invasion but tumor thrombus into great veins is a rare phenomenon. We present a case of 60-year-old male with follicular variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid with tumor thrombosis in superior thyroid vein and internal jugular vein (IJV). We report a case of a 60-year-old male who presented with a large swelling in the lower part of left side of neck for 4 months. Clinical examination revealed a hard swelling of 12x8 cm in left side of neck. Ultrasonography showed a solitary thyroid mass of the left lobe and a dilated left superior thyroid vein and ipsilateral IJV. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed follicular variant of PTC cells. Total thyroidectomy was done. A tumor thrombus was discovered in the superior thyroid vein and left IJV was found to be dilated. The left IJV with superior thyroid vein was ligated and excised. The patient recovered well after the operation with no local or distant metastasis detected. Follicular variant of PTC commonly spreads to the lymph nodes. Vascular spread via direct intravascular extension through superior thyroid vein is extremely rare. On palpation cord like IJV is felt on the involved side. Neck ultrasound play important role in the diagnosis. Aggressive surgical treatment with IJV ligation above and below the tumor thrombus is recommended to minimize the risk of potentially fatal complications of the intraluminal masses. Intravascular tumor extension into IJV of neck in follicular variant of PTC is rare and can be associated with serious consequences. Total thyroidectomy with thrombectomy with ligation of IJV must be done.

EXPERIENCE OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THE CAROTID BODY TUMOR AND TUMORS WITH INVASION AT THE CAROTID VESSELS

The analysis of the structure and results of surgical treatment of 72 patients who were hospitalized in the department of vascular surgery Lviv regional hospital for the period 1995 to 2017. Among the 42 cases was diagnosed carotid body tumors (1-st study group) and at 30 patients was (2-nd control group) other tumors of the neck. In first group structure of surgery operation was: tumor removal and suturing the vascular wall defects - 76%, resection and shortening of the common carotid artery - 21%, expansion of the internal carotid artery - 3%, ligation of the external carotid artery - 10%, lymphadenectomy - 28%, prosthetic vascular wall - 3%, the tumor resection - 3%, internal jugular vein ligation - 7%, excision of fragment muscle - 3%, nerve resection - 14%. In the second group, the following surgical operations were performed: removal of the tumor and suturing of the defects of the vascular wall - 96%, lymphadenectomy - 48% tumor resection - 30%, ligation of the internal jugular vein - 14%, removal of the muscle fragment - 4% , resection of nerves - 13%. In group 1, intraoperative complications were observed in 1 (3.4%) cases, which were manifested by massive bleeding from the tumor, requiring a repeated surgical intervention to stop the bleeding. Postoperative complications were observed in 1 (3.4%) cases when acute cerebral ischemia developed. In 1 (3.4%) cases, tumor recurrence was observed after 9 years. Clinic experience shows that surgery is an effective treatment for carotid body tumor and tumors with invasion into vessels of the neck, providing a low rate of complications, a full recovery or long-term remission

Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Review of Fifteen Patients and Changing Trends in the Management.

Introduction Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media in the modern age of antibiotic treatment, but it is potentially a dangerous complication. Objectives The aim of this study is to focus on the various clinical presentations, management options and sequelae in a series of fifteen patients with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Methods Retrospective chart review of inpatients treated for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis at our tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2015. Results A total of 15 patients (11 males and 4 females) with ages ranging from 9 to 60 years were diagnosed with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. The most commonly reported symptoms were headache, ear discharge and hard of hearing, which were experienced by all 15 (100%) patients. In contrast to previous studies found in the literature, 7 (47%) patients in our series presented with neck pain and neck abscess. Imaging studies and microbiological cultures were performed for all patients, who also underwent a mastoidectomy procedure. Internal jugular vein ligation was performed on 5 (33%) patients. Incision and drainage of the neck abscess was performed on 7 (47%) patients. All patients had a satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, and the mortality rate was of 0%. Conclusions Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis, though a rare complication, can still occur; therefore, keeping a high level of suspicion is important, especially in developing countries. We also describe the patients with neck abscess associated with this rare condition. Combining parenteral antibiotics with surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.

Complications of critically ill children supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

To study the complications occurred in the process of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-EMCO) in critically ill children. To analyze retrospectively 25 children who were admitted to PICU of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from December 2011 to December 2015. They were all treated with VA-ECMO with incision and catheterization in right internal carotid artery and jugular vein. Complications were recorded during ECMO process. The duration of ECMO treatment was 14 to 567 h (153 (112, 204) h). Seventeen cases (68%) withdrew from ECMO successfully and 15 cases (60%) survived to discharge. Thirty-three complications occurred during ECMO treatment. Of which, mechanical complications occurred 9 times, including oxygenator leakage (n=3), hemolysis (n=2), water tank failure (n=2), pump head rupture (n=1) and piping thrombosis (n=1). Somatic complications appeared 24 times, including neurological complications (n=8) which included cerebral infarction (n=2), convulsions (n=2), intracranial hemorrhage (n=2), thrombosis after ligation of internal jugular vein (n=1) and cerebral atrophy (n=1); bleeding complications (n=8) which included bleeding at puncture sites (n=4), ECMO canalized site bleeding (n=3), and spontaneous (n=1), intracranial hemorrhage or hematoma cases(n=2) in mechanical complications; acute kidney injury (n=5) and microcirculation thrombosis (n=3). ECMO technique may cause complications, which mainly include neurological, mechanical and clotting complications. Advanced equipments and materials and well-managed teamwork are helpful in decreasing complications.

Diplopia as a sequel of unilateral neck dissection.

The purpose of this study was to discuss the underlying etiology of raised intracranial pressure and its sequel after unilateral internal jugular vein ligation. In addition, the management protocol for such rare cases has been discussed along with literature review. PubMed and Google were used to search the literature for cases of raised intracranial pressure with complications after unilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) ligation. Twelve case reports with 17 patients were identified. There were 13 male and 4 female patients ranging between the ages of 26 and 61 years. Headache (n = 12/17; 70.5%), diplopia (n = 10/17; 58.8%), impaired vision (n = 9/17; 52.9%), and aplasia or hypoplasia of the transverse sinus were seen in these patients. Although very rare, this potential complication after unilateral IJV ligation should be kept in mind. Magnetic resonance venogram (MRV) is the investigation of choice to ascertain the underlying etiology. Conservative management should be started immediately. Surgical options are reserved for patients with progressive symptoms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:E2475-E2478, 2016.

Ligation of the internal jugular vein increased regional cerebral oxygen saturation but decreased the bispectral index in a 72-year-old man: a case report

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and the bispectral index (BIS) are used to detect cerebral perfusion abnormalities. However, whether rSO2 and BIS values change during ligation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is unknown. We report a case in which BIS values were decreased, despite increased rSO2 during ligation of the IJV. A 72-year-old man was diagnosed with metastasis of renal cancer to the thyroid associated with tumor embolism in the right IJV. Thyroidectomy with total laryngectomy was performed. After right IJV ligation, right rSO2 was increased from 73 to 78 %, while the right BIS value was decreased from 40 to 27. Contralateral rSO2 and BIS values were unchanged. Right rSO2 and BIS values returned to pre-ligation values in 10 min. Ligation of the IJV might increase cerebral blood flow and ipsilateral rSO2. Physicians should use BIS values with caution during IJV ligation because a sudden decrease in the BIS value is not always associated with cerebral hypoperfusion.

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis: Case series and controversies

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to (1) report the clinical presentation, treatment, and sequelae in a series of pediatric patients with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis and (2) to review the most controversial aspects of management of this rare intracranial complication of otitis media. MethodsRetrospective chart review of inpatients treated for central venous thrombosis at a tertiary care facility between 1996 and 2012. ResultsFive pediatric patients (four male, one female) were identified with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Age at presentation ranged from 13 months to 15 years. All underwent a surgical procedure, ranging from a simple myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement to tympanomastoidectomy and internal jugular vein ligation or craniotomy. Three were anticoagulated with unfractionated heparin with subsequent transition to low molecular weight heparin of variable duration. One patient developed a non-life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage while on long-term anticoagulation. Follow-up imaging, when available, did not directly correlate complete thrombus resolution with use of anticoagulation or with persistent symptoms. ConclusionsOtogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media with significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in the modern era of antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention, and anticoagulation therapy. Due to the rarity of this condition today, the recommended extent of surgical intervention and need for routine anticoagulation are unclear, and requires further data to determine definitively.

Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: Case Series and Controversies

Objectives: 1) Present a series of patients with an increasingly rare but significant complication of otitis media primarily affecting the pediatric population. 2) Review diagnostic and management algorithms for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. 3) Discuss controversies in medical and surgical management of lateral sinus thrombosis. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients treated for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis at a tertiary care institution from June 1996 through July 2012. Results: Over a 16-year period, 6 patients were treated at our institution for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. Symptoms at presentation included fever, persistent nausea and vomiting, headache, seizure, and facial nerve palsy; duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis varied from 4 days to 3 weeks. Four patients were diagnosed with associated intracranial complications, and 1 was found to have a cholesteatoma. All 6 patients underwent a primary surgery by an otolaryngologist; 1 required a subsequent internal jugular vein ligation, and another required neurosurgical procedures for drainage of intracranial abscesses. Four of 6 patients were anticoagulated, and 1 developed significant anticoagulation-related complication. Conclusions: Although rarely encountered today, lateral sinus thrombosis remains a serious intracranial complication requiring both medical and surgical intervention with a multidisciplinary effort. Controversies exist as to the degree of surgical intervention and whether anticoagulation is necessary for treatment.

Timely recanalization of lateral sinus thrombosis in children: should we consider hypoplasia of contralateral sinuses in treatment planning?

The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical and radiological outcomes in children treated with lateral sinus thrombosis secondary to acute mastoiditis considering also contralateral sinus hypoplasia. This study was a retrospective chart review, conducted in tertiary pediatric hospital. Medical reports of eight children with acute mastoiditis and lateral sinus thrombosis from 1998 to 2011 were examined in terms of therapy, clinical recovery and radiological proof of lateral sinus recanalization. Three children presented hypoplasia of contralateral venous drainage system. Condition of sinuses was regularly monitored with MRI. Otologically and neurologically, all children recovered fully. All received antibiotics; six received additional low molecular weight heparin therapy. Mastoidectomy was performed on six cases. Incision and thrombectomy were applied in the other two, one involving internal jugular vein ligation. This latter case presented also contralateral venous hypoplasia; visual impairment proved permanent. The other two children with contralateral sinus hypoplasia recovered fully after steroid, dehydration and low molecular weight heparin therapy. Recanalization occurred in all children except the one with internal jugular vein ligation, in whom good collateral circulation was observed. There were no bleeding complications. Anatomical variations of cerebral venous drainage system can frequently be observed and should be considered in treatment planning. Mastoidectomy with antibiotics and additional low molecular weight heparin treatment is a safe, promising alternative to thrombectomy and internal jugular vein ligation in children with lateral sinus thrombosis following acute mastoiditis, also having contralateral sinus hypoplasia. Recanalization can be expected within two to five months.

Local anaesthetic surgical treatment of severe objective pulsatile tinnitus: a useful technique

Objective pulsatile tinnitus is a rare condition with an often dramatic presentation. We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with over two years' history of unilateral distressing objective pulsatile tinnitus. Carotid arteriography revealed a highly tortuous internal carotid artery. Computed tomography of the ipsilateral temporal bones showed a large jugular bulb. Internal jugular vein ligation under local anaesthetic yielded immediate resolution of her symptoms.

Agenesis of Internal Jugular Vein a Cause for Concern

Internal jugular vein is one of the major contributors to the venous drainage from the intracranial structures. Neck dissections which necessitates ligation of internal jugular vein leads to significant alteration of cerebrospinal fluid pressures in the range of three times for unilateral ligation to five times in cases of bilateral ligation. Agenesis of internal jugular vein merits concern prior to central venous cannulation and ligation during radical neck dissection for metastatic nodes in head and neck cancers.

Transverse Sinus Thrombosis After Internal Jugular Vein Ligation

Background: Cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis is a rare condition with a wide range of causes and a highly variable presentation. It can lead to significant morbidity, but scant literature is available describing diagnosis and treatment when this occurs after ligation of the internal jugular vein. Objectives: To discuss potential risk factors for cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis after ligation of the internal jugular vein, and present current options for diagnosis and treatment. Case Report: A 23-year-old male construction worker was brought to the Emergency Department by Emergency Medical Services after sustaining a severe neck laceration from a hand-held grinder. He was treated with ligation of the left internal jugular vein, but subsequently developed severe headaches and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. A magnetic resonance venogram of the head revealed a left transverse sinus thrombosis requiring treatment with anticoagulation. The placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt was ultimately needed for relief of his symptoms. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic interventions are critical to prevent further morbidity in patients who develop cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis after ligation of the internal jugular vein.

Neonatal cerebral oximetry monitoring during ECMO cannulation

Neonates were monitored with a cerebral oximeter before, during, and after cannulation for ECMO to determine the direct effects of ligation of the right internal jugular vein and right carotid artery on cerebral oxygenation. After obtaining informed consent, we used the FORE-SIGHT Cerebral Oximeter (CAS Medical Systems, Branford, CT, USA) to monitor neonates undergoing surgical preparation for veno-arterial (VA) or veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A total of 17 subjects were monitored pre-ECMO for at least 48 h after cannulation. Of the 17 subjects, 12 experienced low cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO(2)) <60% during pre-ECMO surgery, with most exhibiting the lowest SctO(2) values between cannulation to the onset of ECMO. Two subjects received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during surgery and experienced very low SctO(2) (5 and 36%). Pulse oximetry was found to be unreliable during CPR because of diminished pulsatile flow. SctO(2) increased above 60% after the onset of ECMO for all subjects and remained stable. Neonates are vulnerable to SctO(2) during the pre-ECMO surgical period.

Advanced Lemierre Syndrome Requiring Surgery

A 38-year-old homeless man was admitted with a 2-week history of a sore throat, increasing shortness of breath, and high fever. Clinical examination showed enlarged and tender submandibular and anterior cervical lymph nodes and a pronounced enlargement of the left peritonsillar region (Figure 1a). CT scan of the throat and the chest showed left peritonsillar abscess formation, occlusion of the left internal jugular vein with inflammatory wall thickening and perijugular soft tissue infiltration, pulmonary abscesses, and bilateral pleural effusions (Figures 1b-e, arrowed). Anaerobe blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum, leading to the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome. Treatment with high-dose amoxicillin and clavulanic acid improved the oropharyngeal condition, but the patient's general status declined further, marked by dyspnea and tachypnea. Repeated CT scans showed progressive lung abscesses and bilateral pleural empyema. Bilateral tonsillectomy, ligation of the left internal jugular vein, and staged decortication of bilateral empyema were performed. Total antibiotic therapy duration was 9 weeks, including a change to peroral clindamycin. Clinical and laboratory findings had returned to normal 12 weeks after surgery.The patient's history and the clinical and radiological findings are characteristic for Lemierre's syndrome. CT scans of the neck and the chest are the diagnostic methods of choice. F. necrophorum is found in over 80% of cases of Lemierre's syndrome and confirms the diagnosis. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is usually sufficient, but in selected patients, a surgical intervention may be necessary. Reported mortality rates are high, but in surviving patients, the recovery of pulmonary function is usually good.

Managements for lateral sinus thrombosis: does it need the ligation of internal jugular vein or anticoagulants?

The purposes of this study were to review the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) and to discuss the need of internal jugular vein (IJV) ligation or anticoagulants. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of five patients (1 male and 4 female) with LST. The chief complaints were otalgia, fever, mastoid tenderness, and neck pain. All patients were confirmatively diagnosed with MRI-Venography or Angio-CT scans. The patients were treated with appropriate antibiotics and operations including mastoidectomies with/without thrombectomy according to their suspected disease course. The authors did not perform IJV ligation and use anticoagulants in all cases, but there were no mortalities or morbidities. IJV ligation and use of anticoagulants do not seem to be essential procedures for the management of LST, and it should be considered carefully according to the extents of disease and the state of patients.