title: Ludwig's angina as an extremely unusual complication for direct microlaryngoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An extremely rare case that to our knowledge has not been reported before is described, in which a patient had a Ludwig's angina as a complication of direct microlaryngoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a Ludwig's angina after a direct microlaryngoscopy for a Reinke's edema, due to erosion on the internal face of the mandible produced by compression of the laryngoscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient underwent placement of 2 drainages, intraoral and cervical, and several incisions on the floor of the mouth, with intravenous corticosteroids and antibiotics and with resolution of the illness without performing tracheostomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ludwig's angina is an extremely rare complication of microlaryngoscopy, but it is potentially life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment resulted in survival of the patient without complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, c/Valdés 10, Oviedo Asturias, Spain. acocapelaz@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coca Pelaz
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Llorente Pendás
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suárez Nieto
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008158:Ludwig's Angina / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged