Ludwig's Angina

A rapidly enlarging neck swelling

“…Ludwig’s angina is a bilateral deep neck infection of the submandibular space 1. It is most commonly caused by an infection of the second or third lower molar tooth 2…”

“…The incidence of Ludwig’s angina has decreased since the 1940s (with dental health advances and the availability of antibiotics) and in this time mortality has reduced from >50% to <8% (with more aggressive surgical options) 1…”

Ludwig\'s Angina: A Study on Etiology and Factors affecting the Prognosis and Management

“…9 Predisposing factors include dental caries, recent dental treatment, systemic illness, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome, organ transplantation, and trauma. 9,10 Mandibular trauma, penetrating injuries of the floor of mouth, oral neoplasm, and lymphangiomas have been reported as potential causes of Ludwig's angina as well. 8 The most commonly cultured organisms include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides species.…”

Ludwig’s angina after severe thrombocytopenia associated with dengue fever in a primigravida: A case report

“…Ludwig's angina is usually caused by a combination of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, with the majority of the bacteria being typical oral flora. Malaise, dysphagia, cervical oedema, swelling of tongue, pain, sore throat, restricted movements of neck and stridor suggestive of impending airway restriction characterise the clinical picture(Moreland et al, 1988). Causative agents have been identified as gram-positive cocci like streptococcus viridans, staphylococcus epidermidis and staphylococcus aureus along with anaerobic pathogens such as peptostreptococcus and bacteroides.…”