Ludwig’s angina in a child: a case report and literature review

Abstract Background Ludwig’s angina is a diffuse cellulitis in the sub-mandibular space, which extends to sublingual space. It an emergency that often occurs adults as complication of oral infections. rare children and particularly life-threatening due smaller size, well characteristics these spaces child. This case 2-year-old boy, with rapid onset signs respiratory discomfort, no dental or systemic etiology, great evolution. Case presentation A little boy was brought by his mom room for firm swelling sub-mental region along pain fever, appeared 3 days prior consultation. He first examined pediatrician who prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics (amoxicillin). The symptoms worsened over 48 h, presented discomfort supine position. admitted department. Without dysphagia distress. clinical examination showed with/without trismus infection. laboratory investigations hyper-leukocytosis microcytic hypochromic anemia.CRP = 300; HIV test negative. computed tomography (CT scan) abscess sub-lingual regions.No mediastinal collection found. diagnosis established. patient underwent percutaneous surgical drainage 15 ml pus, alleviated symptoms, treatment carried out through antibiotics, analgesics, daily cleaning wound change dressing. Bacteriological exam found gram-positive cocci chains. culture Staphylococcus aureus . biological improvement discharged after 7 days. Six months follow-up healthy child, without infection any other complication. Conclusion -however rare- potentially life-threatening, rapidly spreading, bilateral sub-mandibular. Its management based on airway control, intravenous surveillance parameters. Early appropriate enhances outcome decreases mortality significantly.