title: Lingual Abscess in the Setting of Recent Periodontal Antibiotic Injections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lingual abscess is a rare clinical entity, with posterior involvement being much less common than anterior involvement. Typical inciting events include trauma or direct inoculation to the area. The clinical diagnosis can be difficult, and early imaging and specialist consultation should be pursued to make a definitive diagnosis and to prevent patient deterioration.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of posterior lingual abscess in a 62-year-old man after he received antibiotic injections to the lower molars for periodontal disease. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Lingual abscess is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose clinically. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can lead to acute airway compromise and increased morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas.
authors.forename: Joshua E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lefler
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas.
authors.forename: Lawrence N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Masullo
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015552:Injections, Intralesional / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: abscess; airway compromise; lingual; periodontal injections; submandibular swelling