Ludwig's angina as an extremely unusual complication for direct microlaryngoscopy.

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.