Unusual Case of Ludwig Angina Caused by Clostridium sporogenes in an Immunocompromised HIV-Positive Patient with Alcoholism and Dental Abscess.

BACKGROUND Ludwig angina is a cellulitis of the soft tissues of the neck and floor of the mouth. It is most commonly caused by Viridans streptococcal species, but other bacterial species have been shown to lead to this severe infection. Clostridium sporogenes is an anaerobic gram-positive, spore-producing bacillus found in soil and the human gastrointestinal tract. This report is of a case of a 49-year-old HIV-positive man with alcoholism and poor dental hygiene leading to a molar abscess who presented with Ludwig angina due to C. sporogenes. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man presented with severe left molar pain, fever, and worsening neck swelling for 5 days. His medical history was significant for AIDS; he was not on antiretroviral therapy. Computed tomography of the neck was positive for extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the left sublingual space. Ludwig angina was diagnosed, and he was taken urgently for incision and drainage of the bilateral neck fascial space. On day 6 of hospitalization, 1 of 2 blood cultures grew C. sporogenes. He left the hospital on day 13 and was readmitted 6 days later with progression of the disease and alcohol withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment of Ludwig angina and the importance of considering commonly pathogenic and rarely pathogenic bacteria when considering the underlying bacterial cause of an infection in an immunocompromised patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Ludwig angina caused by C. sporogenes reported in the medical literature.

Adolescent Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Presents with Suspected Ludwig Angina.

A 15-year-old boy attended Emergency Department with a complaint of difficulty in breathing due to dental infection. A pulmonologist was consulted regarding the severity of the cystic fibrosis. The patient was admitted and intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics were given. The infected mandibular right first permanent molar tooth # 30 was extracted under IV ketamine dissociative anesthesia in the hospital setting.

The empirical use of aminoglycosides in Ludwig's angina based on bacterial analysis of 63 cases.

PURPOSES: To determine if the empirical use of aminoglycosides is justified in Ludwig's angina based on microscopy, culture and sensitivity results. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done on patients that presented with Ludwig's angina to the Maxillofacial and Oral surgery department at the University of Pretoria. Demographical data was extracted from patient files. Pus specimens that were submitted as part of the initial surgical intervention were analysed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study with the majority, 76.19% (n=48/63), comprising males. The mean patient age was 38.6 years (range 6 months to 78 years). The majority of infections (87.3%) had an odontogenic aetiology (n=55/63). Forty-four percent of the patients had immunosuppressive co-morbidities (n=28/63). Streptococci contributed 71.26% (n=62/87) of the cultured bacteria. Similar bacteria were cultured in the immunocompromised and the immunocompetent patients (p=0.672). Ninety-two percent (n=57/62) of the streptococci cultured were sensitive to penicillin. The addition of aminoglycosides to the study sample would not have made a statistically significant difference (p=0.1556). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, the empirical use of aminoglycosides is not warranted in either immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients with Ludwig's angina.

Facial Swelling After Dental Work Done: A Case of Ludwig's Angina.

Ludwig's angina is a fast-spreading cellulitis located on the floor of the oropharynx and neck (Tami, Othman, Sudhakar, & McKinnon, 2020). Patients may present with a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of the condition (Reynolds & Chow, 2007). Emergency nurse practitioners need to promptly identify, diagnose, and treat patients with this problem, with close attention to the patient's airway. A compromised airway is the leading cause of mortality from this condition (McDonnough et al., 2019). The diagnosis is generally made with a comprehensive history and physical examination, laboratory values, and imaging studies such as computer tomography (Bridwell, Gottlieb, Koyfman, & Long, 2021). Management includes admission to the hospital, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and specialist surgical consultation (Bridwell et al., 2021).

Ludwig's Angina.

Ludwig's angina is a severe diffuse cellulitis that presents an acute onset and spreads rapidly and bilaterally. It can affect the submandibular, sublingual or submental spaces resulting in a state of emergency. Early diagnosis and urgent management could be a life-saving procedure. We report a case of wide spread sialadenitis infection extending to the neck with trismus and elevation of the floor of the mouth that caused an obstruction of the airway and resulted in an inspiratory dyspnea and a stridor. The patient was directed to maintain the airway by elective tracheostomy. An appropriate use of parenteral antibiotics, airway protection techniques, and potential surgical drainage of the infection remain the standard protocol of treatment in advanced cases of Ludwig's angina. The aim of this case report is to emphasize on the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of Ludwig's angina.

Correlación de los días de estancia hospitalaria con el índice neutrófilo-linfocítico en pacientes con diagnóstico de angina de Ludwig / Correlation of the days of hospital stay with the neutrophillymphocyte ratio in patients with a diagnosis of Ludwig's angina: pilot study

Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio es correlacionar los días de estancia hospitalaria con el índice neutrófilo-linfocitico (INL) como biomarcador, en los pacientes con diagnóstico de angina de Ludwig que fueron admitidos en urgencias. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en los expedientes clínicos del hospital, donde solo se obtuvieron los que tenían diagnóstico de angina de Ludwig desde junio de 2016 hasta junio de 2020, y que cumplieran con los criterios de selección. Posteriormente se recabaron los datos sociodemográficos, días de hospitalización, biometría hemática y valores de neutrófilos y linfocitos para su posterior análisis estadístico. Resultados: Obtuvimos 21 pacientes (9 mujeres y 12 hombres). La edad promedio fue de 43,1 años (rango: 27-70 años). Se transformó la variable de días de hospitalización: en corta estancia hospitalaria aquellos pacientes que estuvieron hospitalizados 5 días o menos; y los de larga estancia hospitalaria aquellos pacientes que estuvieron hospitalizados 6 días o más, para el INL se consideró un índice alto aquellos pacientes que se encontraran con un INL ≥ 6 y un índice bajo aquellos pacientes con un índice ≤ 5, tomando en cuenta el punto de corte con respecto a estudios previamente realizados. Se observó que aquellos pacientes con un INL alto tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria larga, y de acuerdo con los resultados obtuvimos significación estadística (p = 0,02). Conclusiones: El INL parece ser un buen biomarcador para predecir los días de estancia hospitalaria de los pacientes con angina de Ludwig. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para confirmar nuestros resultados. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to correlate the number of days of hospital stay with the neutrophil-lymphocyte index (NLI) as a biomarker in patients diagnosed with Ludwig's angina who were admitted to the emergency department. Patients and methods: A search was conducted in the hospital's medical records, where only those with a diagnosis of Ludwig's angina from June 2016 to June 2020 and that met the selection criteria were obtained. Afterwards, sociodemographic data, days of hospitalization, hematological parameters, and values of neutrophils and lymphocytes were collected for subsequent statistical analysis. Results: We obtained 21 patients (9 females and 12 males). The average age was 43.1 years (range: 27-70 years). The variable of days of hospitalization was transformed into: short hospital stay for patients who were hospitalized for 5 days or less, and long hospital stay for patients who were hospitalized for 6 days or more. For the NLI, a high index was considered for patients with an NLI ≥ 6 and a low index for patients with an NLI ≤ 5, taking into account the cut-off point with respect to previously conducted studies. We observed that patients with a high NLI had a long hospital stay and according to the results, we obtained statistical significance (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The NLI appears to be a good biomarker for predicting the number of days of hospital stay for patients with Ludwig's angina. However, more studies are needed to confirm our results. (AU)

Angina de Ludwig / Angina de Ludwig / Ludwig Angina

Introducció. L’angina de Ludwig és un procés infecciós ràpidament progressiu a l’espai submandibular relacionatamb infeccions odontogèniques preexistents. La tomografiacomputada (TC) és útil per definir-ne la localització i l’extensió. Un diagnòstic i un maneig precoços són importantsper evitar complicacions potencialment greus com l’obstrucció de la via aèria.Cas clínic. Adolescent de 14 anys que consulta per odontàlgia amb tumefacció submandibular dolorosa, sialorrea,trisme i disfàgia de 48 hores d’evolució, sense febre associada. Presenta càries en peces dentàries 46-48 i tumescència submandibular dreta, dura i dolorosa al tacte, quesobrepassa la línia mitjana, amb eritema, edema i calor. Alcap de 24 hores d’iniciar l’antibioteràpia, davant l’augmentde la tumefacció i l’empitjorament analític, es fa una TCcervical en què s’objectiva una col·lecció compatible ambabscés al terra de la boca. Es modifica el tractament antibiòtic, s’hi afegeix corticoteràpia i es deriva a cirurgia maxil·lofacial per a tractament quirúrgic.Comentaris. L’angina de Ludwig és una infecció greu delterra de la boca que cal considerar en el diagnòstic diferencial d’una infecció periodontal amb tumefacció submandibular. És de vital importància conèixer-ne les manifestacions locals i sistèmiques per actuar precoçment. (AU)

Introducción. La angina de Ludwig es un proceso infeccioso rápidamente progresivo en el espacio submandibular relacionado coninfecciones odontogénicas preexistentes. La tomografía computarizada (TC) es útil para definir su localización y extensión. Undiagnóstico y manejo precoces son importantes para evitar complicaciones potencialmente graves, como la obstrucción de la víaaérea.Caso clínico. Adolescente de 14 años que consulta por odontalgiacon tumefacción submandibular dolorosa, sialorrea, trismo y disfagia de 48 horas de evolución, sin fiebre asociada. Presenta cariesen piezas dentales 46-48 y tumescencia submandibular derecha, dura y dolorosa al tacto, que sobrepasa la línea media, con eritema, edema y calor. A las 24 horas de iniciar antibioterapia, dadoel aumento de la tumefacción y empeoramiento analítico, se realiza una TC cervical donde se objetiva una colección compatiblecon absceso en el suelo de la boca. Se modifica el tratamientoantibiótico, se añade corticoterapia y se deriva a cirugía maxilofacial para tratamiento quirúrgico. (AU)

Introduction. Ludwig angina is a rapidly progressive infectious process of the submandibular space related to pre-existing odontogenic infections. Computed tomography (CT) is useful to define thelocation and extent. Early diagnosis and management are important to avoid potentially serious complications such as airway obstruction.Case report. A 14-year-old girl presented to the emergency roomwith a 48-hour history of toothache and submandibular swelling,sialorrhea, trismus and dysphagia without associated fever. Physical examination showed caries in teeth number 46-48 and rightsubmandibular tumescence, hard and painful to the touch, whichcrossed the midline, with erythema, edema and heat. Twenty-fourhours after starting antibiotic therapy, given the worsening clinicalcondition and laboratory findings, a cervical CT scan was performed, which showed a collection compatible with abscess in thefloor of the mouth. The antibiotic therapy was changed, corticoidswere added, and the patient was referred to maxillofacial surgeryfor surgical treatment.Comments. Ludwig angina is a serious infection of the floor of themouth that should be considered in the differential diagnosis ofperiodontal infection with submandibular swelling. It is very important to know its local and systemic manifestations for an earlyintervention. (AU)

Complications of dental infections due to diagnostic delay during COVID-19 pandemic.

We present three cases who presented to the emergency department with severe complications of dental infections: Ludwig's angina, necrotising fasciitis and peritonsillar abscess. All of our cases presented at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, with complications of dental infections. They delayed their dental treatment due to the pandemic. The airway management was difficult in our cases. Their mortality risk increased due to complications. We aimed to draw attention to complicated odontogenic infections which are rarely seen in emergency department in the past, however started to show up increasingly particularly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ludwig's angina in a COVID positive patient-An atypical case report.

The management of odontogenic infections is established and several guidelines have been proposed for its effective treatment. Outbreak of COVID-19 has posed serious challenge in the management of odontogenic infections, further complicated by immunocompromised status of the patient, where adequate evaluation and prompt attention is mandatory to avoid untoward consequences. Ludwig's angina being a life threatening infection by itself, association or simultaneous presentation with COVID-19 infection can add further complexity in the management for a maxillofacial surgeon. Here we present a case report of Ludwig's angina in a patient who tested positive for Coronavirus infection and how we treated her successfully.

Severe Ludwig's angina caused by an unknown insect bite.

Hereby, we report a case of a 75-year-old man who presented with a 3-day history of facial swelling and choking sensation. The only history of note was an insect bite on the left parotid gland area 3 days prior. The patient was later diagnosed with insect-bite-induced Ludwig's angina. Enterococcus faecalis was detected on blood cultures and was presumed the source of infection. Intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids were initiated. The patient was intubated and was subsequently made to undergo a tracheostomy insertion to establish a definitive airway. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and when his condition improved, he was transferred to the ward for full recovery. The patient spent a total of 66 days in hospital before being discharged. This case suggests that Ludwig's angina can be caused by insect bites. However, further similar cases are needed to be documented to explore this theory.

Diagnosis and management of Ludwig's angina: An evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Ludwig's angina is a potentially deadly condition that must not be missed in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review article is to provide a summary of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Ludwig's angina with a focus on emergency clinicians. DISCUSSION: Ludwig's angina is a rapidly spreading infection that involves the floor of the mouth. It occurs more commonly in those with poor dentition or immunosuppression. Patients may have a woody or indurated floor of the mouth with submandibular swelling. Trismus is a late finding. Computed tomography of the neck soft tissue with contrast is preferred if the patient is able to safely leave the ED and can tolerate lying supine. Point-of-care ultrasound can be a useful adjunct, particularly in those who cannot tolerate lying supine. Due to the threat of rapid airway compromise, emergent consultation to anesthesia and otolaryngology, if available, may be helpful if a definitive airway is required. The first line approach for airway intervention in the ED is flexible intubating endoscopy with preparation for a surgical airway. Broad spectrum antibiotics and surgical source control are keys in treating the infection. These patients should then be admitted to the intensive care unit for close airway observation. CONCLUSION: Ludwig's angina is a life-threatening condition that all emergency clinicians need to consider. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and disposition of these patients.

Management of pediatric head and neck infections in the emergency department.

Head and neck infections can spread to nearby structures, compromising the airway and progressing to life-threatening events. Pediatric head and neck infections can be difficult to recognize; emergency clinicians must know the signs and symptoms of head and neck infections for early diagnosis and urgent management in order to prevent complications and decrease hospitalization rates. This issue reviews presenting signs and symptoms of pediatric head and neck infections, discusses when diagnostic studies are indicated, and offers evidence-based recommendations for management. Conditions reviewed include mastoiditis, sinusitis, Ludwig angina, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, Lemierre syndrome, and acute suppurative thyroiditis.