Bhavesh Gahlotabout 6 years ago

Reinke's Edema

Reinke's Edema, also referred to as polypoid corditis, usually manifests as a columnar swelling along the entire length of the vocal fold. In more severe cases of Reinke's edema, the vocal folds have ballooned in size and appear like water-filled cushions. In extreme forms, the vocal cord edema be so enlarged that it considerably narrows the airways. In Reinke's edema, a large accumulation of fluid occurs in the soft, gelatinous layer of the superficial lamina propria, or Reinke’s space. This layer is responsible for the delicate rolling of the vocal folds’ mucous membrane and is what produces the tonal beauty of the human voice. Swelling or thickening of this tissue layer can lead to marked changes in voice quality.