Ludwig's angina in the pediatric population: report of a case and review of the literature

Ludwig's angina is a rapidly progressing cellulitis involving the submandib ular neck space. It is characterized by brawny induration of the submental region and floor of mouth, bearing the potential for rapid airway obstructi on. Airway management, antibiotics, and judicious surgical intervention are the mainstays of successful therapy. We present a case of Ludwig's angina in a 5-year-old child and offer a meta-analysis of pediatric cases of Ludwi g's angina described in the literature over the past 30 years. The presenta tion, etiology, management, and potential complications of this disorder in the pediatric population are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.