Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
07:22
Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
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[A rare cause of hoarseness]
Pepijn Krielen1,2, Bart M Wensing3, Mark Dirven4
1Canisius-Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen: Afd. Heelkunde.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|December 2, 2021
Summary
Ortner's syndrome, characterized by hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve compression, can be caused by thoracic aortic aneurysms. Early diagnosis with CT scans is crucial for effective treatment of this rare cardiovascular condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Ortner's syndrome, first described in 1897, involves hoarseness resulting from mechanical compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- This compression is typically caused by an enlarged left atrium due to mitral valve stenosis.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male presented with hoarseness and dysphagia, indicative of left vocal cord paresis.
- Imaging revealed a saccular aneurysm of the proximal descending thoracic aorta, confirming Ortner's syndrome.
Findings:
- The patient's hoarseness was attributed to a thoracic aortic aneurysm compressing the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Successful treatment was achieved through a thoracic endovascular aortic repair procedure.
Implications:
- Hoarseness, while commonly associated with laryngeal or pulmonary issues, can signify underlying cardiovascular pathology like thoracic aneurysms.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is essential for diagnosing cardiovascular causes of persistent hoarseness.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are vital for managing life-threatening conditions associated with Ortner's syndrome.
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