Abstract
Objective: To report the case of an immunocompromised patient admitted to a public ICU in northern Brazil and the systemic complications caused by odontogenic infection. Case details: A 28-year-old male patient was admitted to the Emergency Room with the presence of swelling in the submandibular region bilaterally, with anterior projection of the tongue, pain and limitation of mouth opening. Medical history, patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (common type B ALL). In the extra-oral right mandibular region, there was an underlying abscess compromising the skin. In the cervical region, tissue necrosis up to the thoracic region was observed. The patient was admitted to the ICU, and after evaluation by the dentist, the presence of root remains of element 46 was observed. The final diagnosis was defined as abscess, Ludwig's angina with evolution to mediastinitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Extraction of element 46, medical support, antibiotic therapy and frequent patient assessment by the dentist were performed. Final considerations: The dentist is of paramount importance in a multidisciplinary team and in a hospital environment, with regard to prevention, management and dental treatment in order to avoid serious complications and systemic impairments in hospitalized patients.