A necrotizing soft tissue infection of the neck may be the cause of sudden death.
Sources of the infection:
(1) orodental (Ludwig's angina, other)
(2) radiation therapy to the neck
(3) surgery
(4) trauma to or mucosal break of the tonsils, peritonsillar region, pharynx or larynx
Cause of death:
(1) airway compromise
(2) sepsis
(3) neurogenic (vagal or carotid body), with cardiac arrhythmia
(4) compression of carotid arteries
Factors contributing to the infection such as diabetes or immunosuppression should be identified.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
