Lemierre’s Syndrome And Retropharyngeal Abscess

Lemierre’s Syndrome And Retropharyngeal Abscess

emDOCs Podcast - Episode 56 - June 21, 2022 - By Brit Long and Rachel Bridwell

Lemierre’s Syndrome Pearls

• The classic triad includes pharyngitis, anterior neck tenderness/swelling, and non-cavitary pulmonary infiltrates, though only 52% of patients have neck tenderness or swelling on exam
• Diagnosis includes CT with IV contrast of the neck
• Management includes resuscitation/stabilization and antibiotics

Retropharyngeal Abscess Pearls

• New data demonstrate decreased rates of drainage when steroids used
• Consider in toxic child preferring to lie flat with normal oropharyngeal exam and painful tracheal rock
• Lateral neck radiographs can be used initially, many patients require neck CT for operative management