Ludwig's angina: a place for steroid therapy in its management?

Ludwig's angina is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition which presents as a hard swelling of the floor of the mouth. It spreads rapidly as a gangrenous process that may cause death through local airway obstruction. Ludwig's angina carried a 54% mortality rate in the preantibiotic era which has now been reduced to approximately 4%. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical observation. Currently described treatment involves protecting the airway and managing the infection with antibiotics and surgical drainage when indicated.