Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
06:18
Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
Published on: September 17, 2021
Ludwig's angina in pregnancy
Amy Niederhauser1, Daniel Kirkwood, Everett F Magann
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.
Summary
Ludwig's angina, a severe neck infection, can be life-threatening. This report details the first recent case of this dangerous condition in a pregnant patient, highlighting unique management considerations.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ludwig's angina is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection affecting the sublingual, submandibular, and submental spaces.
- This condition can lead to severe airway compromise and hemodynamic instability.
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management are crucial for patient survival.
Observation:
- A recent case of Ludwig's angina occurred in a pregnant patient.
- Pregnancy presents unique challenges in managing airway and potential complications.
- This represents the first reported recent instance of Ludwig's angina in a pregnant individual.
Findings:
- The case underscores the potential for Ludwig's angina to affect pregnant individuals.
- Standard treatment protocols, including antibiotics and surgical drainage, were employed.
- Successful management required careful consideration of the patient's pregnant state.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Ludwig's angina in pregnant patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
- It emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary care involving obstetrics and surgical teams.
- Further research may be warranted to explore specific management adaptations for pregnant patients with this infection.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
01:20Angina V: Nursing Management
Angina, a symptom of myocardial ischemia, requires a structured nursing management approach to ensure effective care and prevent complications like myocardial infarction. Comprehensive nursing care involves assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes, all tailored to the individual patient's needs.Patient AssessmentNursing assessment begins with a detailed subjective evaluation of symptoms, which typically include chest pain or pressure radiating to the...
01:30Angina I: Introduction
Definition and Symptoms: Angina (angina pectoris) is chest pain or discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia, which occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood. It typically manifests as pressing, squeezing, or crushing sensations in the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.Primary Cause: In a healthy state, the coronary arteries can dilate (widen) to increase blood flow and meet the increased oxygen demand during physical activity or...
01:27Angina II: Classification
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a chest pain resulting from diminished blood flow to the heart muscle and is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina presents several variants with distinctive attributes, etiologies, and therapeutic approaches. The main types of angina include stable, unstable, variant (Prinzmetal's), microvascular, intractable, and silent ischemia.Stable angina is caused by atherosclerosis, which leads to the formation of plaques that narrow the coronary...
01:26Angina IV: Management
IntroductionThe management of angina requires a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacological therapies, medical procedures, and lifestyle modifications.Pharmacological TherapiesAntiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, play a pivotal role in preventing thrombus formation in patients with angina. These medications inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events.Anticoagulants, including...
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...