A Case of Ludwig’s Angina: A Rare and Potentially Lethal Neck Infection

Introduction: Ludwig’s Angina (LA) is a rare, life-threatening infection of the mouth and submandibular spaces, mainly caused by odontogenic infections, particularly periapical abscesses in mandibular molars. The infection spreads through the submandibular and sublingual spaces, causing severe neck swelling, trismus, and difficulty swallowing. The pathogens involved are a mix of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including Streptococcus viridans and Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment focuses on securing the airway, followed by antibiotics and surgical drainage, with an emphasis on early intervention. Case Report: A 25-year-old woman presented to our clinic with swelling, redness, and pain in the right and anterior regions of the jaw and both sides of the neck. On examination, a painful, firm swelling with redness, especially in the right submandibular and sublingual regions, limited neck mobility and trismus were observed. The patient was initially referred to the otorhinolaryngology department following a preliminary diagnosis of Ludwig’s Angina, and the patient’s lower impacted wisdom teeth were extracted following drainage of neck abscess. Conclusion: Ludwig’s Angina is a rapidly progressing, life threatening infection of the submandibular and sublingual regions. Early diagnosis and intervention, including securing the airway, administering broad-spectrum antibiotics, and performing surgical drainage are crucial for successful outcomes and reducing mortality.