Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A forgotten diagnosis

• Main Authors: Michael D. Karon, Alejandra A. Valenzuela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology 2012-03-01
• Series: Vision Pan-America
• Subjects: Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, non-caseating granuloma, eyelid swelling, eyelid inflammation
• Online Access: http://journals.sfu.ca/paao/index.php/journal/article/view/4

The rare, non-caseating, granulomatous disease known as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) can be diagnostically difficult especially when not presenting as the characteristic triad of facial palsy, facial edema, and fissured tongue.1 We present a case of a 65-year-old female with a 15-year history of recurrent bilateral upper eyelid swelling previously unsuccessfully treated for a presumed lid allergy and rosacea. Following imaging and histopathology results, she has now been diagnosed with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Since this disease is typically refractory to treatment, she is being followed and treated with cosmetic eyelid skin reduction if necessary during inactive stages of the disease.