Ludwig Angina after First Aid Treatment: Possible Etiologies and Prevention-Case Report

J Endod. 2019 Jan;45(1):79-82. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2018.10.001. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Abstract

Ludwig angina is a life-threatening type of soft tissue cellulitis involving 3 compartments on the floor of the mouth including the submental, sublingual, and submandibular spaces bilaterally. Prevention, early recognition, and treatment of Ludwig angina are critical because this is a clinical diagnosis with unpredictable progression. This article describes a rare case of Ludwig angina that evolved from an odontogenic infection and the specific microbiology and clinical course and discusses possible etiologies and prevention.

Keywords: Cellulitis; Ludwig angina; flare-up; microbial infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Debridement
  • Dental Care / adverse effects*
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / complications*
  • Dental Pulp Necrosis / therapy
  • Early Diagnosis
  • First Aid / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Ludwig's Angina / diagnosis
  • Ludwig's Angina / etiology*
  • Ludwig's Angina / prevention & control
  • Ludwig's Angina / therapy*
  • Male
  • Periapical Abscess / complications*
  • Periapical Abscess / therapy
  • Radiography, Dental
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tracheostomy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination