Pseudo-Ortner Syndrome

Abstract

Ortner syndrome is vocal cord paralysis secondary to left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy from atrial dilation. We present the case of a 28 year old woman with metastatic appendicular cancer to the peritoneum and pleura who experienced chest pain, progressive dyspnea and change in vocal quality secondary to esophageal impingement on the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This novel case of “Pseudo-Ortner Syndrome” further demonstrates the susceptibility of the laryngeal nerve to palsy secondary to mechanical impingement stemming from an unlikely distal non cardiac source.