From routine to ruin: an astonishing computed tomography scan reveals catastrophic Ludwig’s angina and necrotizing mediastinitis after a simple dental procedure

Ludwig's angina can rapidly progress to necrotizing mediastinitis, even after a routine dental procedure, making early recognition and timely intervention critical.Computed tomography is essential in assessing the extent of infection, identifying airway compromise and mediastinal involvement, which directly influence management decisions.A multidisciplinary approach, including early surgical intervention and aggressive antibiotic therapy, is crucial for optimizing outcomes in complex infections like necrotizing mediastinitis.