Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome in the context of sarcoidosis: a case report 

Abstract

Background Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the triad of recurrent orofacial swelling with facial paralysis and fissured dorsal tongue. Histologically, noncaseating granulomatous inflammation occurs that confirms the diagnosis. Overlaps between granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis and Crohn’s disease are described. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of choice for acute attacks. Case presentation We here present a case of a 59-year-old White woman suffering from Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome with a past history of sarcoidosis on therapy with leflunomide in combination with low-dose tacrolimus successfully treated with the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine after failure of systemic steroid therapy. Conclusions We propose clofazimine as an alternative treatment in steroid-refractory cases.

Combined wedge resection for lower lip debulking in Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome

“…2,3 MRS tends to present similarly in two other conditions, granulomatous cheilitis (GC) and orofacial granulomatosis (OG), and as such is often discussed alongside them. 2 The underlying pathology behind these disorders has yet to be elucidated, and suggestions range from local hypersensitivity reactions, 4,5 processes akin to other granulomatous diseases, such as sarcoidosis and Crohns disease, [6][7][8][9] and genetic predispositions evidenced by familial linkage and observed human leukocyte antigen overexpression. 10,11 Given the rare nature of the disease and a lack of clear etiology driving the disease process, treatments for MRS and associated GC/OG remain disjointed with no wide consensus and limited proven efficacy.…”