A case of Ludwig angina: a case report and review of the literature

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
Bradley J MarcusKim A Collins

Abstract

Ludwig angina is a rapidly progressing submaxillary, submandibular, and sublingual necrotizing cellulitis of the floor of the mouth that can have lethal consequences due to airway obstruction. Various aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, and less often fungi, have been implicated to cause Ludwig angina, including oral flora such as streptococci and staphylococci. Early recognition and the use of parenteral antibiotics can prevent mortality and morbidity. We report a case of a 25-year-old white man who was admitted to the hospital by his dentist after being diagnosed with Ludwig angina secondary to periodontal abscesses involving teeth #17 and #32. Although antibiotics were administered, while in the hospital, the decedent had difficulty swallowing and was drooling. He suddenly began to have seizure-like activity thought to be anoxic myoclonus. The decedent was aggressively resuscitated and taken to the operating room for neck exploration and a tracheostomy. Neck exploration revealed severe necrotizing acute inflammation of the deep soft tissues and musculature of the neck. He remained on life support for 7 days until he was declared brain dead. Ludwig angina is a progressive cellulitis that often results in death by asphyxia. ...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Oct 24, 2013·Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology·Wei-I LeeChris O'Donnell
May 14, 2010·Radiographics : a Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc·Benjamin J LudwigOsamu Sakai
Apr 19, 2015·Critical Care : the Official Journal of the Critical Care Forum·Lakhmir S ChawlaClaudio Ronco
Jun 9, 2012·Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology·Min Kyeong KimVeerasathpurush Allareddy
Sep 12, 2012·Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR·Mitchell A ChessJohan G Blickman
Oct 25, 2016·The Journal of Laryngology and Otology·M B AvnstorpC Von Buchwald
Apr 5, 2013·Clinical Microbiology Reviews·José F Siqueira, Isabela N Rôças
Jan 10, 2019·Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology·Gregg L Semenza
Jun 12, 2019·Anesthesia Progress·Regina A E DowdyBryant W Cornelius
Apr 18, 2014·Periodontology 2000·Ingar Olsen, Arie J van Winkelhoff
Mar 1, 2018·Academic Forensic Pathology·Catherine R MillerVickie Willoughby
Mar 28, 2013·Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal·Adam BlanchardHarold Neitzschman
Mar 11, 2018·The Journal of Emergency Medicine·Michael GottliebAlex Koyfman
Jul 1, 2021·The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland·Ifueko Patience OsaghaeAshraf Ayoub

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