Ludwig's angina in pregnancy

Severe Odontogenic Infections during Pregnancy and Related Adverse Outcomes. Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

Odontogenic infections have the potential to develop into deep-space infections and may cause severe diseases with possible life-threatening complications. Dental infections during pregnancy require special attention in terms of possible complications and treatments due to the potential to affect the lives of two individuals. A case of a 36-year-old pregnant patient with a submandibular abscess caused by an odontogenic infection is reported, followed by a comprehensive systematic review of the literature in order to retrieve information regarding severe odontogenic infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 69 cases were included in the qualitative analysis. The mean age was 27.72 years. Patients were managed with surgery in combination with antibiotics. Nine infectious-related cesarean sections were detected, and preterm birth was associated in 3 cases, low birth weight in 2 cases, death of the fetus in 9 cases (13%), and maternal death in 4 cases (5.8%). The possible compromise of oral health during pregnancy is well known; however, severe odontogenic infections are rarely considered in the literature, and they may be associated with severe and life-threatening complications for both mother and the fetus.

Ludwig's Angina in Pregnancy: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Physiologic changes in pregnancy may predispose pregnant women to oral health problems. However, most women are not counselled on oral health during pregnancy. Lack of proper oral health care predisposes pregnant women to odontogenic infections, which can lead to severe complications.

CASE

A 34-year-old multiparous woman presented at 40⁰ weeks gestation with a 3-day history of severe, progressive neck swelling, jaw pain, and trismus. She was diagnosed with Ludwig's angina secondary to an untreated dental cavity. She required emergency fiberoptic intubation to secure her airway, urgent delivery via cesarean section, and subsequent surgical drainage performed by otolaryngology.

CONCLUSION

Ludwig's angina during pregnancy is associated with severe morbidity. Dental care should not be denied or postponed due to pregnancy, and dental infections should be treated promptly. Health care providers should counsel women on the importance of maintaining good oral health during pregnancy.

Odontogenic deep neck space infection as life-threatening condition in pregnancy

Odontogenic deep neck space infections represent a severe disease with possible life-threatening complications. Despite knowledge of these infectious diseases, treatment remains a challenge for every maxillofacial surgeon. Therapy of severe neck infections is even more crucial during pregnancy because of the possible life-threatening situation for both the mother and the foetus. The possible compromise of oral health during pregnancy is well known, however severe odontogenic infections are rarely considered in the literature. The following case report describes the dramatic course of a deep neck space infection in a pregnant patient, commencing with typical symptoms of localized odontogenic infection and ending in a critical, life-threatening condition for the patient and a lethal condition for the foetus. The case represents the first description of intrauterine, foetal death caused by a deep neck space infection. Implications for dental and medical treatment during pregnancy, especially regarding odontogenic infections, are presented and discussed with findings in the international literature.

Ludwig's Angina in Pregnancy Necessitating Pre Mature Delivery

Ludwig's angina is a potentially life threatening disease that can arise from odontogenic infections if they are not attended well in advance. Its incidence in pregnancy is rare, but has been reported. Pregnancy is associated with complex physiological changes in the body which can make small dental infections assume grave proportions if not treated appropriately. This article presents a case of a 24 year old, 32 week pregnant lady who reported with swelling around the jaws and neck, difficulty in breathing and swallowing since 2 days. She had to be taken up for pre-term delivery to avoid damage to foetus. Subsequently she underwent multiple debridement of the cellulitis affecting the deep neck spaces and superior mediastinum. Surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics along with adequate hydration improved the health of the patient before she was discharged.

Ludwig's Angina in Post Partum Patient

Ludwig's Angina is a rapid progressive cellulitis of the submandibular spaces, with potential for significant upper airway obstruction. Most reported cases follow an odontogenic infection. We present a case of 22-year-old female patient in her 2 weeks post partum period developing a life threatening infection. Immediate intubation, surgical decompression and antibiotic therapy successfully resolved the episode.

Pregnancy complicated by Ludwig's angina requiring delivery

At 33 weeks of gestation, a 24-year-old developed Ludwig's angina that worsened despite aggressive therapy. This is the first reported case of Ludwig's Angina in pregnancy that required an emergent cesarean section for fetal indications. Delivery may have contributed to improvement in the mother's health status.