Rapid resolution of Ortner's syndrome with giant left atrium after double-valve replacement surgery

Abstract

Hoarseness of voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy is an uncommon manifestation of cardiothoracic disease. Ortner's syndrome is hoarseness attributed to mechanical compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve in association with several cardiopulmonary disease states. We here describe a rare case of Ortner's syndrome developing in a 60-year-old woman with a giant left atrium in the context of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. The remarkable resolution of her voice hoarseness within 1 week of valve replacement surgery has not been reported in similar cases to date.