Granulomatous gingival manifestations of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Of thirty patients with complete or incomplete forms of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, five patients with gingival lesions that microscopically showed the characteristic granulomatous changes are presented, with special reference to their gingival manifestations. In some cases bluish red, small, distinct, and irregular edematous swellings characterized the gingival changes, while in other cases more extensive and diffuse, edematous swellings dominated. All five patients had only vague symptoms from the gingiva. Because of the apparent slowly progressing nature of the gingival swellings and occasional spontaneous regression of the gingival changes, a conservative attitude in the treatment of gingival lesions in MRS is recommended. Gingival symptoms may be the first manifestation of the disease, and it is emphasized that, with an increased diagnostic awareness, gingival involvement may be found more commonly in patients with MRS.