Focused ultrasound assists in diagnosis and management of difficult airway in Ludwig's angina

Abstract

Ludwig's angina is a rapidly progressive and life-threatening medical emergency. The mortality rate is about 8%. Management of the difficult airway in Ludwig's angina has been challenging for clinical physicians. We reported an otherwise healthy 49-year-old female, who visited our emergency department with progressive swelling of her chin, drooling, and dyspnea. Ludwig's angina with impending airway compromise was promptly identified. The precise anatomy of the distorted neck was accessed using ultrasound as an adjunct. Emergent tracheostomy was then established successfully within minutes. Physicians should consider using ultrasound as an adjunct to define anatomy before performing emergent surgical airways.