Dysphagia and hoarseness associated with painless aortic dissection: a rare case of cardiovocal syndrome

Dysphagia. 2006 Apr;21(2):129-32. doi: 10.1007/s00455-006-9015-x.

Abstract

Cardiovocal syndrome (Ortner's syndrome) is characterized by left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy due to cardiovascular disease, but in rare cases it can also be caused by aortic dissection. An 81-year-old man with hypertension was admitted to the hospital with aspiration pneumonia. He had been developing progressive dysphagia and hoarseness for several months before admission. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study showed supraglottic penetration with barium paste and liquid. Laryngoscopy and electromyography revealed left vocal cord palsy caused by left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, and a contrast-enhanced chest CT revealed dissection of the aortic arch.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection / complications*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electromyography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Hoarseness / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Videotape Recording
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / physiopathology