Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A forgotten diagnosis

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, non-caseating granuloma, eyelid swelling, eyelid inflammation