A Complex Case of Lemierre’s Syndrome: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

Sepsis due to Fusobacterium necrophorum has been a deadly condition for centuries. Several other bacteria have been identified to cause similar condition known as Lemierre’s syndrome. First described by French bacteriologist André-Alfred Lemierre, this condition is associated with multiple abscess formation in lungs, abdomen, solid organs, etc. With the invention of antibiotics, this incidence has reduced significantly. However, the handful of such rare case that we encounter poses significant challenge in management. This article describes one such case explaining the multiple issues including the difficulties to diagnose and treat. This also shows how a multi-disciplinary approach is needed for best outcome for patients.