[Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome]

The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome consists of recurrent facial edema, mainly localized to the lips, recurrent facial paralysis and plicated tongue. The edema eventually becomes permanent, and in combination with residues of facial paralysis, may bring about considerable disfigurement, thus necessitating medical or surgical intervention. The different elements of the triad often do not occur simultaneously, and two positive findings are often considered sufficient for the diagnosis. A case report of a 52 year old woman with lip edema and partial facial paralysis is presented. Antihistamines and corticosteroids systemically were found to have no influence on the edema, and ultimately plastic correction was resorted to, without any striking improvement of her condition.