The 'Reinke's space' is a potential space between the epithelium and the vocal ligament. In Reinke's oedema, accumulation of fluid occurs in this space due to:

• A Mucosal irritation (smoking) leading to increased vascular permeability and accumulation of gelatinous fluid in the superficial layer of the lamina propria ✓
• B Chronic infection causing lymphatic obstruction in the superficial lamina propria
• C Allergic reaction causing IgE-mediated oedema of the intermediate lamina propria
• D Proliferation of fibroblasts forming a polypoid mass within the deep lamina propria

Explanation

Reinke's space (superficial layer of the lamina propria) contains loosely arranged fibres and ground substance with sparse cells and poor lymphatic drainage. Chronic mucosal irritation — most commonly cigarette smoking, especially in women — increases microvascular permeability, allowing gelatinous fluid to accumulate in this potential space. This produces bilateral polypoid swelling of the entire cord (Reinke's oedema / polypoid corditis), causing a low-pitched, rough voice. Treatment is smoking cessation and surgical evacuation of fluid (microflap technique).

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.