Emguidewire's Podcast

Join the EMGuideWire Crew from CMC EM Residency Program as they discuss Ludwig's Angina and the management Priorities!!! BACKGROUND Angina = “Strangling” Bilateral infection of submental, submandibular, and sublingual spaces 70-85% of cases arise from odontogenic source Periapical abscesses of mandibular molars Piercings (frenulum) URI more common cause in children Source of infection often polymicrobial Most commonly viridans; also Staphylococcus and Bacteroides species Patients usually 20-60 years-old; more common in males1 Mortality in treated Ludwig’s Angina = 8%7 ***Airway compromise = leading cause of death8 Who Is At Risk? Diabetes mellitus Chronic alcohol abuse IVDA HIV/AIDS Malnutrition Poor oral hygiene Smokers Anatomy & Pathophysiology Mylohyoid subdivides submandibular space: Sublingual space Submaxillary (submylohyoid) space Infection extends posteriorly and superiorly, elevating tongue against hypopharynx If left untreated, can extend inferiorly to retropharyngeal space and i