Postanginal sepsis in adolescence

The term postanginal sepsis has been used to describe a septicemia characterized by anaerobic bacteremia and metastatic infection originating from an oropharyngeal focus.1-2 Pathologic examination reveals septic thrombophlebitis of the tonsillar vein and its tributaries.1 Although common in the preantibiotic era the incidence of this disease has decreased considerably. Delay in diagnosis due to lack of awareness may lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Furthermore the patient may be subjected to unnecessary diagnostic evaluations if this entity is not recognized. We describe a patient whose illness is consistent with postanginal sepsis and discuss the problem, based on a literature review.