Reinke edema (polypoid corditis)

Etiology

• arises in chronic smokers

Pathology

• benign condition

* microscopy images Clincial manifestations:

• edema of Reinke space with increased vascularization manifesting as a polypoid projection polypoid corditis) into the airway

* images

Management

• conserviation measures may improve the voice, but rarely resolve the anatomical changes
  • smoking cessation
  • voice therapy
• surgical treatment* is reserved for patients who fail conservative management
  • either in the office (with laser ablation) or
  • in the operating room (with phonomicrosurgical excision)

* image

More general terms

• laryngeal disease