Ludwig's angina (named for Frederick Wilhelm von Ludwig) involves a necrotizing cellulitis that involves the floor of the mouth.
The infection is typically a mixed infection with multiple aerobic and anaerobic species.
Features:
(1) necrotizing cellulitis arising in the floor of the mouth, usually arising from a dental infection
(2) bilateral involvement
(3) involves both the sublingual and submandibular spaces, with a firm, boardlike swelling that elevates the floor of the mouth, pushing the tongue against the roof of the mouth
(4) no abscess formation
Clinical findings:
(1) dysphagia
(2) impaired breathing
(3) fever
(4) systemic signs
(5) foul taste in mouth
(6) pain
Complications:
(1) sepsis
(2) spread of the infection into the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces of the neck
(3) septic thrombophlebitis
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