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Description

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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