title: Warfarin induced sublingual hematoma: a Ludwig angina mimic.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sublingual hematoma is a rare but life-threatening complication of oral anticoagulants. It is important to differentiate this from infectious processes like Ludwig's angina. Securing the airway should be a priority and immediate reversal of anticoagulation with close monitoring is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of sublingual hematoma secondary to warfarin therapy without airway compromise which was managed conservatively with reversal of INR with oral vitamin K.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although rare, it is crucial to differentiate sublingual hematomas from infectious processes. Reversal of anticoagulation with low threshold for artificial airway placement in the event of airway compromise is the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Reading Health System, West Reading, PA, USA. Electronic address: ranjanrp@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ranjan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pathak
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Reading Health System, West Reading, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Supplee
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Reading Health System, West Reading, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Madan Raj
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Aryal
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Reading Health System, West Reading, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Paras
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Karmacharya
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008158:Ludwig's Angina; D008875:Middle Aged; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000473:pathology*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014812:Vitamin K; D014859:Warfarin