[Glossitis granulomatosa symptom of oligosymptomatic Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome]

Atypical forms of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome are difficult to diagnose, especially when occurring in uncommon facial locations. The clinical and histological characteristics of these forms are illustrated in a typical case. We report our experiences with a 59-year-old white male who had increasing swelling of his tongue for years and a recent onset of perioral swelling. A plicated tongue was present, while symptoms of facial and trigeminal nerve involvement were absent. Minor symptoms present were speech impediments, dysgeusia, episodes of hypersalivation and burning sensations on eating. Biopsies revealed sarcoid and lymphonodular-plasmocytic granulomatous infiltrates. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of an oligosymptomatic Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Swelling of the tongue and that of the perioral region was controlled with clofazimine therapy.