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| Format: | Recurso digital |
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Zenodo
2026
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20055021 |
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Table of Contents:
- <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Ludwig’s angina is a rapidly progressive, potentially life- threatening cellulitis of the submandibular, submental and sublingual spaces. It is characterized by inflammatory oedema in submandibular, submental or sublingual region rather than abscess which can lead to airway obstruction. Patients with comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus are at higher risk because of delayed wound healing and higher risk of infections due to impaired immune system. Other factors such as trauma, poor oral hygiene and dental infections can lead to deep neck space infections. Ludwig’s angina is considered as medical and surgical emergency which requires continuous monitoring and airway intervention. Early diagnosis and management of disease can prevent airway obstructions and fatal life-threatening complications. Airway obstruction is the most serious complication which can occur suddenly and this can even occur in patients who were clinically stable initially. The risk of developing airway obstruction is due to increased oedema which extends to the surrounding tissues and epiglottis. These further leads to dysphagia, muffled voice, and potentially respiratory distress. After a recent fall, a 65-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension developed increasing pain and oedema in the right submandibular area. He showed extensive oedema and induration over the right submandibular and submental regions without initial airway obstruction, but he was hemodynamically stable upon evaluation. Significant leukocytosis with neutrophilic predominance, raised ESR and CRP levels, elevated blood sugar levels, and accelerated prothrombin time were also found in laboratory examinations. Diffuse infectious inflammatory oedema was seen on neck ultrasonography. Broad spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, an emergency incision, drainage, and stringent glucose control and monitoring were administered to the patient. The patient was treated with oral antibiotics, insulin treatment, and supportive drugs after demonstrating clinical improvement with a decrease in swelling and inflammatory markers. In order to minimize life-threatening consequences, this case emphasizes the significance of early detection, active multidisciplinary management, and careful airway monitoring in diabetic patients with deep neck space infections.</span></p>