Open AccessOrtner's syndrome: Focused cardiac ultrasound and rapid ultrasound in shock examination at emergency department unfold the life‐threatening cause for a cardiovocal condition
Author(s) -
Abd Samat Azlan Helmy,
Embong Hashim
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/1024907918755163
Subject(s) - medicine , emergency department , emergency ultrasound , ultrasound , thoracic aorta , aneurysm , radiology , shock (circulatory) , presentation (obstetrics) , cardiology , aorta , psychiatry
Ortner's syndrome is a rare condition, known as cardiovocal condition as patients present with hoarseness of voice due to cardiovascular causes. Case presentation: We present a case of Ortner's syndrome secondary to leaking thoracic aortic aneurysm in a patient who came to emergency department with hypotension and hoarseness of voice for 3 months. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) and rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) were performed which revealed a thoracic aortic arch aneurysm. Discussion: Focused cardiac ultrasound and rapid ultrasound in shock examination in the emergency department had expedited the diagnosis of this rare condition, hence the subsequent definitive investigation and management. Conclusion: This case highlights the need for high index of suspicion for thoracic aneurysm in patients with unexplained cardiovocal symptoms. It also highlights the importance of point‐of‐care ultrasound in the emergency department and the significance of utilizing the suprasternal view to look for pathology at the arch of aorta.