Voice hoarseness in a patient with underlying Eisenmenger’s syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: The natural history of patients diagnosed with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome typically revolve around the pediatric population. Medical advances have allowed these patients to live longer and present with a different subset of symptoms as a result of the progression of their disease process. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we discuss a 77-year-old Caucasian female with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome presenting with hoarseness. Clinical and imaging studies reveal a left vocal cord paralysis secondary to a progressively enlarging patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and dilation of pulmonary arteries causing mass effect on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. CONCLUSION: From a clinical perspective, this case highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be aware of the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger’s Syndrome as it progresses with age.