Open AccessOrtner's Syndrome—a Rare Cause of Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Chen RongFeng,
Lin ChenTung,
Lu ChihHao
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1016/s1607-551x(09)70061-0
Subject(s) - medicine , recurrent laryngeal nerve , vocal cord paralysis , cord , paralysis , larynx , surgery , thrombus , palsy , pathology , alternative medicine , thyroid
Hoarseness attributed to vocal cord palsy is associated with injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hoarseness resulting from left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, cardiovocal syndrome (Ortner's syndrome), has rarely been reported. We present the case of a 79‐year‐old male suffering from hoarseness in the absence of significant clinical manifestations. A flexible laryngoscope was used to identify a paralyzed left vocal cord, and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a large thrombus‐filled aneurysmal dilation of the aortic arch. The severity of the vocal cord paralysis was improved by surgical intervention. This case illustrates that life‐threatening cardiovascular comorbidities can cause hoarseness and that an impaired recurrent laryngeal nerve might be correctable.