Pneumothorax with Ortner syndrome: an unusual presentation of aortic dissection

Abstract

Ortner syndrome or cardiovocal syndrome is hoarseness of voice due to left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy as a result of cardiovascular abnormality. It is not known that pneumothorax has any association with Ortner syndrome. A 56-year-old gentleman, with previous history of 20 pack-year smoking and 1-year history of hypertension, presented to us with cough for two weeks with intermittent haemoptysis, as well as hoarseness of voice for the past one year. Direct laryngoscopy confirmed that he had left vocal cord palsy. Clinical and radiological investigations suggested that he had left pneumothorax. Left chest tube thoracostomy was performed and computed tomography of chest revealed aortic isthmus aneurysm with dissection extending to distal left common iliac artery and residual left hydropneumothorax. The patient was then referred to the vascular team and cardiothoracic team for further management.

Trajectory of Voice Rehabilitation in Ortner’s Syndrome: A Case Report

“…Cases of Ortner's Syndrome have been reported for a wide range of ages, right from one to sixty years with common cardiovascular disorders with comorbid symptoms such as aspiration, pneumonia, fatigue, overall weakness etc. Refer Table 1 [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Despite these variabilities, voice symptoms are generally consistent, characterized by a hoarseness of voice.…”