Endovascular management of hoarseness due to a thoracic aneurysm: case report and review of the literature

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2009 Apr-May;43(2):195-8. doi: 10.1177/1538574408324616. Epub 2008 Sep 30.

Abstract

Although uncommon, hoarseness can be a presenting symptom of a thoracic aneurysm. We present a case of a 67-year-old man with hoarseness, subsequently found to have left vocal paralysis. On workup, a computed tomography scan demonstrated a saccular thoracic aneurysm compressing the recurrent laryngeal nerve at the aortopulmonary window. About 6 months after treatment with an endovascular stent graft, the aneurysm sac decreased in size and hoarseness resolved without further surgical intervention. Although uncommonly mentioned as an indication for surgery, hoarseness from a thoracic aneurysm can be successfully managed with endovascular stent grafting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / complications
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortography / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation* / instrumentation
  • Hoarseness / diagnostic imaging
  • Hoarseness / etiology*
  • Hoarseness / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stents
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / surgery