Cardiovascular Hoarseness (Ortner's Syndrome): A Pictorial Review

Ortner's syndrome, also known as cardiovocal syndrome, encompasses any cardiac or vascular process that affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve(s), subsequently leading to vocal cord palsy. Various causes of Ortner's syndrome have been described in the literature, which include but are not limited to aortic aneurysms, pulmonary hypertension, left atrial enlargement, and congenital cardiac disorders. We hereby present a pictorial review of the more commonly reported entities, which have been implicated in this syndrome. Ultimately, understanding the pathophysiology underlying Ortner's syndrome will help in diagnosis and institution of potentially life-saving treatment.