Ludwig's angina
Pronunciation: LOOD-vigz an-JY-nah
A rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of the mouth that can cause life-threatening airway obstruction.
Full Definition
Ludwig's angina is a serious, rapidly progressive cellulitis involving the bilateral sublingual and submandibular spaces without lymphadenopathy or abscess formation. The infection typically originates from infected lower molars and spreads through fascial planes, causing a characteristic woody, non-fluctuant swelling of the floor of the mouth and neck. The tongue becomes elevated and protruded, and patients may present with difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing. This condition represents a surgical emergency due to potential airway compromise. Treatment requires immediate IV antibiotics, airway management (often requiring awake fiberoptic intubation or surgical airway), and aggressive surgical drainage. The condition was historically often fatal but has improved outcomes with modern antibiotic therapy and airway management.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Wilhelm Friedrich von Ludwig; capitalize Ludwig's and use possessive form.
In Context
- "The patient presented with classic Ludwig's angina requiring emergency fiberoptic intubation before surgical drainage." — Emergency case report
- "Early recognition of Ludwig's angina prevented airway compromise through prompt antibiotic therapy and close monitoring." — Clinical management note