[Morphologic classification of Reinke's edema through optical coherence tomography].
OBJECTIVE
Several classification systems for Reinke's edema have been proposed in the past, which are somewhat less than morphologically ideal. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to attain a reproducible graduation of Reinke's edema.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 30 consecutive patients underwent endolaryngeal, microsurgical resection of their Reinke's edema. Graduation was performed through OCT based on morphologic criteria, where each result was compared with that of other classification systems.


RESULTS
In Reinke's edema grade I according to Glanz, a feathered pattern is found, while Reinke's edema grade II demonstrates a lacunar and Reinke's edema grade III a confluent pattern. Correlation between the different classification systems was uniformly weak and not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the three different recognizable patterns, OCT qualifies as an objective and reproducible aid for the graduation of Reinke's edema and gives certain insights in its pathogenesis.
Kraft
M
M
Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Kantonsspital AG, Aarau, Schweiz. marcel.kraft@gmx.ch
Glanz
H
H
Gerlach
S von
Sv
Wisweh
H
H
Lubatschowski
H
H
Arens
C
C
D006801:Humans; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008866:Microsurgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology