Lemierre's syndrome or re-emerging disease: Case report and literature review.

Background: Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal entity characterized by the spread of an oropharyngeal infection, with secondary suppurative thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic emboli.

Methods: We discuss the case of a 52-year-old male who developed Lemierre's syndrome following peritonsillar abscess. He presented with submandibular and submental swelling extending into the neck. His management included; incision and drainage of the abscesses; and prolonged anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusions: The incidence of Lemierre's disease appears to be increasing, perhaps due to ignorance of the disease by many clinicians, and diagnosis is often delayed with potentially fatal consequences.