Acute lymphangitis mimicking mechanical neck pain

Objective: To discuss acute lymphangitis as a potentially serious infection that can mimic mechanical musculoskeletal pain. Clinical Features: A 27-year-old male plant worker had right-sided neck pai n. Numerous lesions on the patient's scalp were observed, but were not cons idered to be related to the chief complaint. Intervention and Outcome: Conservative therapy was initiated to address wha t was thought to be mechanical neck pain. Shortly after the initial visit, it became evident that the source of the neck pain was infection because ly mphangitis developed. Antibiotic therapy was initiated and complete resolut ion of the complaint occurred within 1 week. Conclusion: Primary contact practitioners should consider all aspects of th e patient history and physical findings when formulating a diagnosis. This is especially important in the case of patients presenting with lymphangiti s because mismanagement could ive serious consequences. The importance of a good patient history and team approach to care is demonstrated by this cas e.