Category: Infectious Disease
Keywords: Ludwig, Angina (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/13/2008 by Michael Bond, MD
(Updated: 12/12/2024)
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Ludwig’s Angina:
Ludwig’s angina is most commonly a polymicrobial disease of mixed aerobic / anaerobic bacterial origin. Dental disease is the most common cause of Ludwig’s angina.
Diagnosis is usually made after obtaining a CT scan of the Neck and upper chest.
Once the diagnosis is made, treatment should consist of broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical evaluation by ENT or Oral Surgery for possible I&D. Aggressive management of the patient’s airway is a must, and the patient should be intubated early in the course of the illness if there is any sign of airway compromise. Nasal intubation may be preferred by ENT/Oral Surgery.
Typical Antibiotics include a Penicillin with clindamycin or metronidazole.
Ludwig’s Angina Trivia: