Ludwig's angina: need for including airways and larynx in ultrasound evaluation

P.L., Narendra, N.S., Vishal and Jenkins, Brian J. 2014. Ludwig's angina: need for including airways and larynx in ultrasound evaluation. BMJ Case Reports 10.1136/bcr-2014-206506

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Abstract

Ludwig’s angina is a deep neck space infection. Unlike other abscesses elsewhere in the body, rapid progression of the disease results in serious complications such as airway oedema, distortion, total obstruction with loss of airway and death. Thus, early diagnosis and skilful airway management is necessary. For safe airway management, fibreoptic intubation or tracheostomy under local anaesthesia is recommended.1 We describe a case report where an initial attempt at fibreoptic intubation failed and subsequently bleeding ensued causing difficulty in viewing the larynx by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Radiological investigations such as ultrasound and computer tomography (CT) are commonly ordered by surgeons and emergency physicians to know the extension of disease, but airways and larynx are seldom included. We discuss the role of ultrasound in airway assessment in such critical cases to ensure safe and uncomplicated airway access.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
ISSN:	1757-790X
Date of Acceptance:	23 October 2014
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2024 02:14
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/79497

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