Awake Fiberoptic Intubation for the Drainage of Ludwig’s Angina in a Pregnant Patient; A Case Report

Ludwig’s angina is a potentially lethal, rapidly spreading cellulitis involving the sublingual and submandibular spaces leading to difficult airway. Associated pregnancy makes airway management and choice of anesthesia further difficult. There are previously reported cases of drainage of Ludwig’s angina in pregnant woman managed with superficial cervical plexus block and other regional techniques. We report a case of drainage of Ludwig’s angina in a pregnant woman, conducted under general anesthesia with awake fiberoptic intubation. The options of regional anesthesia vs. general anesthesia for management of Ludwig’s angina in pregnant patient are discussed.