Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
https://bjan-sba.org/article/doi/10.1016/j.bjane.2014.10.010
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Clinical Informations

Airway management in Ludwig's angina - a challenge: case report

Manejo da via aérea na angina de Ludwig - um desafio: relato de caso

Roberto Taboada Fellini; Daniel Volquind; Otávio Haygert Schnor; Marcelo Gustavo Angeletti; Olívia Egger de Souza

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2014.10.010 Braz J Anesthesiol, vol.67, n6, p.637-640, 2017
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Abstract

Abstract Background Ludwig's angina (LA) is an infection of the submandibular space, first described by Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig in 1836. It represents an entity difficult to manage due to the rapid progression and difficulty in maintaining airway patency, a major challenge in medical practice, resulting in asphyxia and death in 8-10% of patients. Objective Describe a case of a patient with Ludwig's angina undergoing surgery, with emphasis on airway management, in addition to reviewing the articles published in the literature on this topic. Case report Male patient, 21 years, drug addict, admitted by the emergency department and diagnosed with LA. Difficult airway was identified during the anesthetic examination. In additional tests, significant deviation from the tracheal axis was seen. Undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic pleural drainage, we opted for airway management through tracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and balanced general anesthesia was proposed. There were no complications during the surgical-anesthetic act. After the procedure, the patient remained intubated and mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit. Conclusions Airway management in patients with Ludwig's angina remains challenging. The choice of the safest technique should be based on clinical signs, technical conditions available, and the urgent need to preserve the patient's life.

Keywords

Airways, Ludwig's angina, Mediastinitis

Resumo

Resumo Justificativa A angina de Ludwig (AL) constitui uma infecção do espaço submandibular, primeiramente descrita por Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig em 1836. Representa uma entidade de difícil manejo devido à rápida progressão e dificuldade na manutenção da via aérea pérvia, um importante desafio na prática médica, que culmina em asfixia e morte em 8-10% dos pacientes. Objetivo Descrever o caso clínico de um paciente com angina de Ludwig submetido a procedimento cirúrgico, com ênfase no manejo da via aérea, além de revisar os artigos disponíveis na literatura médica a respeito desse tema. Relato de caso Paciente masculino, 21 anos, drogadito, admitido pelo pronto socorro e diagnosticado com AL. Na propedêutica anestésica constatou-se via aérea difícil. Nos exames complementares foi possível observar importante desvio do eixo traqueal. Submetido à toracoscopia bilateral com drenagem pleural, optou-se pelo manejo da via aérea através de intubação nasotraqueal por fibrobroncoscopia e foi proposta anestesia geral balanceada. Não houve intercorrência durante o ato cirúrgico-anestésico. Após procedimento paciente permaneceu intubado e em ventilação mecânica na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Conclusões O manejo da via aérea nos pacientes com angina de Ludwig permanece desafiador. A escolha da técnica mais segura deve ser embasada no quadro clínico, nas condições técnicas disponíveis e na necessidade premente de preservação da vida do paciente.

Palavras-chave

Vias aéreas, Angina de Ludwig, Mediastinite

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