Publication:

A rare cause for aphonia - Ortners syndrome

Rheumatic mitral stenosis is prevalent in the developing world and presents with a wide array of manifestations. Aphonia and hoarseness of voice secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (Ortner’s syndrome) is an uncommon manifestation of mitral stenosis. We present a case severe mitral stenosis with moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and severe pulmonary artery hypertension that was masquerading as aphonia and hoarseness of voice for eight months. Mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty was done and the quality of voice improved post-surgery.