Vocal Cord and GERD
Case description
laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) Demonstrating arytenoid erythema and edema. This 35 year old male with long standing reflux disease. The upper endoscopy displayed reflux esophagitis. Findings suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux include the following: erythema of the arytenoid, interarytenoid area or laryngeal surface of the epiglottis; a cobblestone appearance of the interarytenoid area; edema of the true vocal cords; inflammatory lesions of the true vocal cords, such as granuloma and contact ulcer; and pooling of secretions in the hypopharynx. Edema of the true vocal cords can range from mild to severe; severe edema has the appearance of polypoid masses. Vocal cord edema of this degree can result in severe dysphonia, stridor or airway compromise. The edema develops in the superficial layer of the lamina propria of the true vocal cords, also called Reinke's space. Thus, it is often referred to as Reinke's edema. The presence of edema of the true vocal cords is highly suggestive of laryngopharyngeal reflux, even in the absence of laryngeal erythema.
Recognized professionals
Milan Profant
MD, PhD
International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies
Recommended
Register and join MEDtube for unlimited access.
All the MEDtube content is available free of charge to Healthcare Professionals after registration.
Get all the benefits that MEDtube platform offers to its community:
- Unlimited access to the largest online library of professional medical videos (+10.000), photos, documents and training courses
- Connection with other Healthcare Professionals from around the world
- Easy upload of your own videos (including HD), photos, documents
- Staying up-to-date on innovative techniques, new technologies, recent discoveries in your field of interest











Comments (0)
Unlogged
Anonymous user
Please sign in to publish your comment