Clinical Findings of 14 Cases of Ludwig's Angina

Abstract

We experienced 14 cases of Ludwig's angina disease between March,1974 and February,1987. Of the 14 patients,9 were men, and 5 were women (mean age 36.3 years old). Except for two unknown cases all were related to dental disease, most of which were due to wisdom teeth and the first and the second molar teeth. In the operation for the swelling part,11 cases were cut out and 3 cases were not cut out. Of the 11 cut cases 6 cases were festered. The bacteria in the pus were identified a-strept which was popular. As for fever of the patients, all the patients had a fever over 37.0°C except in one case. Most patients visited hospital with in 3 to 5 days of onset, with an average of 5 days. Average stay in hospital was 25.5 days. They left the hospital within half a month except for the severe case such as diabetes mellitus. For therapy, the body should be rested, and extensive spectoral antibiotics should be administered for the protection of anaerobic bacterial infection. We have to consider the rapid advance of infection and the significance of the local incisions.