Management of life threatening facial cellulitis (Potential Ludwig’s Angina) due to dental infection in a high altitude setup- A case report

Abstract

Ludwig’s angina is a poly-bacterial space infection(progressive cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis) involving bilateral sub-mandibular, sub-lingual and sub-metal spaces with most common etiology being 2 or 3 mandibular molars infections. Condition can become life threatening due to its risk to impede airway. Treatment is generally aggressive which includes IV antibiotics along with surgical intervention. Current case report describes management of right side facial cellulits which was managed on time, averting potential life threatening complication along with management of infected tooth endodontically in a remote high altitude setup. Early recognition of the condition in such cases is vital to prevent potential complications.