Ludwig\'s Angina in a Puerperant: A Case Report.

Abstract

Ludwig's angina is a serious infection of the oral cavity and other soft tissues above the hyoid bone. It is associated with brawny indurations of the soft tissues, upward displacement of the tongue to the roof of the palate, and potential compromise of the upper airway. Carious or infected mandibular molars, virulent microorganisms and altered / compromised immunity such as occurs in pregnancy and puerperium, are risk factors. Antibiotics therapy, incision and drainage and in many cases creation of artificial airways are the corner stone in the treatment protocol of Ludwig's angina. In this report, we present a case of Ludwig's angina in a puerperant which was treated without creating artificial airway.

Keywords: Ludwig's angina, pregnancy, incision and drainage.

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 76-79