A DEVASTATING COMPLICATION OF DENTAL EXTRACTION: LEMIERRE’S SYNDROME WITH NECK AND MEDIASTINAL ABSCESS

Abstract

A dental extraction is a frequently performed procedure in daily routine. Fatal infections may occur after dental extraction due to the richness of the oropharyngeal flora from aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Oropharyngeal infections can extend into the neck and mediastinum via cervical fascia leading to severe inflammation in soft tissues and vessels with life-threatening complications. We present a patient with complications after dental extraction procedure including severe deep neck inflammation, thrombophlebitis of jugular vein (Lemierre’s syndrome), mediastinal abscess, and empyema. A dental extraction is the most frequent cause of the oral infection that may cause coexisting and individually life-threatening complications in diabetic patients.