Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 203, 241 - 242 (2007)
Published online: 8 September 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.784
Subject Categories: Case reports | Medical matters
Death from overwhelming odontogenic sepsis: a case report
- Death from odontogenic sepsis is rare but still a reality.
- Odontogenic sepsis is the most common cause of Ludwig's angina.
- Ludwig's angina and other cervicofacial infections present more severely in those with underlying systemic disease.
- Early surgical drainage, aggressive intravenous antimicrobial therapy and supportive care are imperative.
Abstract
A case of fatal Ludwig's angina from an odontogenic origin complicated by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is presented. This case highlights that death from odontogenic infection is a reality, particularly in those with systemic disease causing immunocompromise. Early surgical intervention, aggressive intravenous antimicrobial therapy and supportive care is imperative.
- Specialist Registrar, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9LU
- Senior House Officer, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 2JZ
Correspondence to: L. Carter1 e-mail: lachlan_carter@hotmail.com
