The role of systemic condition in the management of maxillofacial infections.

Ludwig's Angina is a rare type of facial infection which formerly invariably was fatal but now with adequate surgical and antibiotic treatment has a much reduced mortality. In spite of the recent advances in therapy, rare and potentially life threatening complications may still arise from time to time and as a result account for significant morbidity and mortality. A case of Ludwig's angina reported at A.B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, India resulting in fatality, in spite of surgical and antibiotic treatment, due to underlying systemic condition and involvement of multiple resistant organisms. The condition was worsened by subsequent esophageal rupture and death occurred due to multiple organ failure.