Neonatal Ludwig’s angina with a whirlwind progression and catastrophic outcome: A case report

Abstract

Ludwig’s angina is a rapidly progressive life-threatening disease, characterized by gangrenous cellulitis and edema of the soft tissues of the neck and the floor of the mouth. The incidence is very rare in children and even rarer in neonates, with sparse case reports. Early diagnosis is crucial in anticipating airway compromise and early management. We are reporting a case history of an 11-day old neonate who presented with an excess cry of 1-day duration and suspected sepsis. Gradually, he developed stridor, and swelling was noted in the submental area, which got progressed to a state of airway compromise and multiorgan dysfunction over a few hours. Drainage of the submental area yielded 10 ml pus which grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus later. The baby succumbed to death within 12 h of the onset of symptoms.