Life-threatening complications of Ludwig’s angina: a series of cases in a developed country

Abstract

Ludwig’s angina is a deep neck space infection defined as a rapidly progressive bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular space. In spite of being an uncommon entity in developed countries and the reduction of mortality and morbidity due to modern era of antibiotics, improved imaging and airway management, it is still an important and potentially life-threatening condition. The authors present 3 cases of Ludwig’s angina that occurred in a developed country, and that required admission in intensive care unit and extensive surgical and medical treatment.