Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in a diabetic boy

The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) consists of recurrent edema of the lips, intermittent facial palsy and furrowed tongue. This is the classic triad which defines the syndrome, although it is accepted that the presence of two manifestations or one with a granulomatous cheilitis in the biopsy, are sufficient to make the diagnosis. The case of a 15 year-old diabetic boy is presented. He had a persistent edema of the upper lip of one-year duration, which started abruptly without any clear etiologic correlation. He was treated with antihistaminics and corticosteroids without improvement but with diabetic imbalance. The complementary examinations were normal and the biopsy was compatible with granulomatous cheilitis. Despite the low incidence and the fact that there is no specific treatment, MRS has to be considered as a diagnostic possibility in a patient with recurrent edema although not necessarily having the complete triad.