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Ortner's syndrome revisited

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Sengupta ,
S. P. Dubey ,
D. Chaudhuri ,
A. K. Sinha  and
P. Chakravarti
A. Sengupta
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
S. P. Dubey*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
D. Chaudhuri
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
A. K. Sinha
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea.
P. Chakravarti
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
*
Address for correspondence: S. P. Dubey, Post Box 3265, Boroko, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea. Fax: (675) 325 0342.
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Abstract

Hoarseness of voice due to paralysis of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve caused by a dilated left atrium in mitral stenosis as discussed by Ortner, is a subject of controversy. Different authors have cited different mechanisms as explanation. A variety of cardiac problems such as primary pulmonary hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, various congenital heart disorders can all lead to paralysis of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Most authors believe that pressure in the pulmonary artery causes the nerve compression. In Papua New Guinea cor pulmonale and rheumatic heart disease are the commonest cardiac disorders seen. Ortner's syndrome is a rarity and has never been reported from here before. Here three different case reports are presented with mitral stenosis, primary pulmonary hypertension and combined mitral stenosis and regurgitation and the pathogenesis of hoarseness is discussed.

Keywords

Recurrent laryngeal nerveVocal fold paresisMitral valve stenosis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 112 , Issue 4 , April 1998 , pp. 377 - 379
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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