CLINICAL CASES Free access

Minerva Anestesiologica 2001 November;67(11):811-4

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Ludwig angina: a disease of the past century. Case report

Doldo G., Albanese I., Macheda S., Caminiti G.

Azienda Ospedaliera «Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli» Servizio di Anestesia e Rianimazione Reggio Calabria

The case of a patient with Ludwig’s angina, diffuse inflammation of the submandibolar and sublingual spaces, a rare but life threatening disease, is described. This disorder can develop almost always as a complication of the dental infection. Causative bacteria include many Gram-negative, anaerobic organisms, streptococci and staphylococci. The potential for rapid respiratory obstruction is the greatest concern. Other serious complications include sepsis, mediastinitis, pleural empiema, pericarditis, pericardial tamponade. A cervico thoracic CT-scan and neck RNM, were performed to determine the extent of the inflammatory lesion. Treatment consists of ensuring adeguate ventilation, with tracheostomy, broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage of the source of infection. The patient recovered without complications.