Morbihan syndrome

• Main Authors: Stefano Veraldi, Maria Chiara Persico, Claudia Francia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Indian Dermatology Online Journal
• Subjects: Acne; chronic erythematous edema of the face; isotretinoin; Morbihan disease; Morbihan syndrome; rosacea
• Online Access: http://www.idoj.in/article.asp?issn=2229-5178;year=2013;volume=4;issue=2;spage=122;epage=124;aulast=Veraldi

We report a case of severe Morbihan syndrome (chronic erythematous edema of the upper portion of the face) in a 60-year-old man. The syndrome was characterized clinically by erythematous edema involving the forehead, glabella, and both eyelids, because of which the patient was not able to open completely his eyes. Furthermore, erythema and telangiectasiae were visible on the nose and cheeks. Laboratory and instrumental examinations were within normal ranges or negative. Histopathological examination showed dermal edema, perivascular and periadnexal lympho-histiocytic infiltrate, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Oral isotretinoin was ineffective despite the relatively long duration of the therapy (26 weeks).