Vocal Cord Paralysis Unveiling a Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Rare Case of Ortner’s Syndrome and Literature Review

Ortner Syndrome (OS) is a disorder characterized by dysphonia due to vascular compression of the Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (LRLN), mainly by heart or vessels abnormalities. We discuss the case of a 56-year-old patient with no medical past history, who enters our department due to four months of growing hoarseness. The left vocal cord was paralyzed, according to video stroboscopic testing. A CT scan of the neck and chest was ordered, and it indicated enlarged heart cavities. The patient was addressed to the cardiology department, and was later scheduled for heart surgery. The follow up was marked by an improvement of his hoarseness. The most prevalent cause of OS is mitral valve disease, which results in left atrial dilatation and nerve compression. This sickness may be associated with other symptoms caused by the compression of organs such as the esophagus. Treatment is based on the treatment of the underlying heart condition.