Recurrence of Lemierre’s Syndrome Presenting With Extensive Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 43-year-old man with a history of Lemierre’s syndrome experienced a recurrence with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after stopping anticoagulation.

Contribution

This case highlights the rare recurrence of Lemierre’s syndrome with cerebral thrombosis and emphasizes the need for continued anticoagulation.

Findings

The patient developed extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after discontinuing anticoagulation.

Partial recanalization was observed following resumption of anticoagulation therapy.

Recurrent Lemierre’s syndrome can present with thrombotic complications even without active infection.

Abstract

Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterised by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein following oropharyngeal infection, most commonly caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. Although it typically affects young, otherwise healthy adults, recurrent or chronic presentations in older individuals are uncommon and diagnostically challenging. We report a 43-year-old male with a prior episode of Lemierre’s syndrome secondary to a peritonsillar abscess complicated by left internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic pulmonary emboli, who presented with severe left-sided headache, neck pain, vomiting, and transient visual disturbances following recent antibiotic treatment for presumed tonsillitis. Imaging revealed extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis involving the superior sagittal, transverse, and sigmoid sinuses, without evidence of active oropharyngeal infection or septic focus. The patient had discontinued long-term anticoagulation six weeks before admission because of medication unavailability and a possible drug-related rash. He was treated with therapeutic-dose enoxaparin during admission and was subsequently transitioned back to rivaroxaban upon discharge, with follow-up imaging demonstrating partial recanalisation of the affected sinuses. This case highlights the potential for recurrent or chronic thrombotic complications of Lemierre’s syndrome in the absence of overt infection and underscores the importance of sustained anticoagulation, early recognition of cerebral venous sinus involvement, and multidisciplinary follow-up to prevent late complications in high-risk patients.

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