Recurrent Lingual Abscess in an Elderly Female With Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A lingual abscess is a rare condition that was scarcely described in clinical textbooks. A lingual abscess recurrence is rare and has only been described twice in the literature. Typically, the tongue and oral cavity have multiple intrinsic properties which stave off intralingual infection; however, there may be situations in which these properties are compromised, as demonstrated in oro-motor disability. Lingual abscesses have the potential to develop into catastrophic obstructive airway issues; therefore, early detection and management are paramount. The following is a presentation of an elderly female with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) treated conservatively for a lingual abscess with recurrence at eleven months post-treatment. Due to her baseline neuromuscular disorder and elevated anesthesia risk, she was treated in the interventional radiology suite with drain placement and Povidone-Iodine sclerotherapy under conscious sedation with excellent results.