Investigation of the Association between Recreational Scuba Diving and a Case of Acute Lemierre’s Syndrome: Will it Recur?

Abstract

Lemierre’s Syndrome (LS) is a septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein following acute pharyngitis commonly caused by anaerobic bacteria. We postulate a rare source of infection in a young male never before cited in the literature, scuba diving. We discuss the patient’s risk factors which we postulate likely caused an altered innate immunity, and when combined with superimposed barotrauma, likely provoked the infection. We then consider the possibility of disease recurrence and make certain recommendations for prevention. Additionally, we highlight the importance of early diagnosis in potentially critical diseases such as LS.