[Etiology and therapy of Ludwig's angina].

After two case reports of Ludwig's angina, the pathogenesis, the bacteriology and the treatment of this syndrome is reviewed. The initial antimicrobial therapy should be broad enough to inhibit the gram-negative and anaerobic organisms. The antibiotherapy should be completed by the incision and the drainage of the submandibular region. The sudden airway obstruction will be prevented by a tracheotomy under local anesthesia.