Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome and Crohn's disease

Identical clinical and histopathological features of the oro-facial swellings in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (M.R.S.) and Crohn's disease (C.D.) exist. In order to disclose a possible relation between these two granulomatous diseases and to evaluate the necessity of extensive screening for C.D. in cases of M.R.S., 16 patients with complete or abortive forms of M.R.S. were examined. However, no clinical, radiological or biochemical findings indicated such a relationship. It is concluded that in patients with M.R.S. extensive examinations for C.D. are not justified in absence of associated gastrointestinal symptoms.