Reinke’s oedema of vocal cords’- Anaesthetic Considerations

Abstract

Reinke's oedema (RE) also known as polypoid corditis, laryngitis or chronic hypertrophic laryngitis is associated with chronic accumulation of fluid in the sub epithelial compartment of the vocal fold. 1,2 It can cause airway problems in patients with undiagnosed RE, but can also cause difficult intubation in patients already diagnosed with RE due to diffuse swelling of vocal cords. We hereby report a case of 55 year old female with RE admitted for decortication of vocal folds and discuss the anaesthetic implications.