We report the case of a 75-year-old man with a 6-month history of hoarseness due to a left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Investigations revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm compressing the left recurrent nerve; thus, the diagnosis of Ortner's syndrome, ie, cardiovocal syndrome, could be established. The aortic aneurysm was repaired by implantation of an endovascular stent graft under local an...

Ortner syndrome or cardiovocal syndrome is a rare condition characterized by hoarseness of voice associated with cardiovascular pathology. Compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by the pulmonary artery or left atrium is usually responsible. Recurrent aspiration pneumonia may cause significant morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment along with removal of the underlyin...

Introduction: Cardiovocal hoarseness (Ortner’s syndrome) is hoarseness of voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement secondary to cardiovascular disease. Recurrent laryngeal nerve in its course (especially the left side) follows a path that brings it in close proximity to numerous structures. These structures interfere with its function by pressure or by disruption of the nerve caused b...

A 78 year old man with a history of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and a myocardial infarction woke up one morning to realise that he had lost his voice. He did not feel ill nor had he experienced symptoms of cough or fever. He had smoked cigarettes for over 60 years and had a brother with lung cancer. Left vocal cord paralysis was assessed at laryngoscopy. A contrast enhanced computed tomogra...