Ludwig’s angina to retrosternal abscess: a complication of odontogenic infection

Ludwig's angina (LA) is a rapidly spreading cellulitis involving sublingual and submaxillary spaces. It arises most frequently from periapical periodontal infection of the mandibular molars. Two major complications LA are life-threatening upper airway obstruction infectious seeding mediastinum, which responsible for high mortality rate. Other include thrombophlebitis internal jugular vein, rupture carotid artery, metastatic abscesses necrosis tongue. We have encountered two such cases, with rapid spread inflammation resulting in various local systemic complications. Awareness early clinical as well radiological diagnosis can lead to prompt surgical drainage, proper antibiotic therapy, better survival chance. Recognised less often today, this progressive may still be fatal.