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Cardio-vocal syndrome - How 'benign' condition can turn 'malignant'?
Raajkamal Dharmapuri Jayavelu1, Robin James Taylor1, Demeytri Ramnarase1
1Worcestershire acute NHS trust, Worcester, WR, UK.
Ortner's syndrome, or cardio-vocal syndrome, causes hoarseness due to enlarged heart chambers compressing a nerve. This study details two cases linked to atrial fibrillation and enlarged left atria, highlighting their outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Cardio-vocal syndrome, also known as Ortner's syndrome, is characterized by hoarseness resulting from the compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- This compression is typically caused by enlarged cardiac chambers or related structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two clinical cases of Ortner's syndrome.
- To investigate the specific cause of left recurrent laryngeal nerve compression in these cases, focusing on atrial fibrillation and left atrial enlargement.
- To document the clinical outcomes of the presented cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical examination and diagnostic procedures to identify cardiac abnormalities and nerve compression.
- Review of patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Two cases of Ortner's syndrome were identified.
- Atrial fibrillation was the underlying cause of left atrial enlargement in both cases.
- The enlarged left atria were found to be compressing the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation can lead to Ortner's syndrome through left atrial enlargement and subsequent recurrent laryngeal nerve compression.
- Ortner's syndrome is a recognized, albeit uncommon, manifestation of cardiac pathology.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of the underlying cardiac condition are crucial for patient outcomes.
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