Intracranial extension of Lemierre's syndrome from odontogenic cause: A review and case report

Odontogenic infection is one of the most common conditions treated by Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. Complications from odontogenic infection such as Ludwig's angina, descending mediastinitis, and neurological spread of infection have been well reported in the literature. A rare and lesser-known but potentially lifethreatening complication of odontogenic infection is Lemierre's syndrome which is characterised by thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. This article provides a literature review and reports a case with intracranial extension of Lemierre's syndrome from an odontogenic cause. This case report illustrates how prompt diagnosis, with appropriate medical and surgical management, resulted in a positive treatment outcome without the need for anticoagulation therapy. The importance of this life-threatening syndrome cannot be overlooked by Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons.