Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

The Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome consists of recurrent edema of the lips, intermittent facial edema and a furrowed tongue. This is the classic triad which defines the syndrome, although it is accepted that the presence of two manifestations is sufficient to make the diagnosis. Distribution is universal although the majority of the cases are described in the European literature. The case of a 37 year-old female is presented. She came to consult for persistent edema of the upper lip, of a three-year duration, which started abruptly without any clear etiologic correlation with acute episodes that disappear spontaneously or with corticoid treatment. Associated symptoms included migraine headaches which started years earlier. The complimentary examinations were normal except for a mild elevation of the sedimentary rate, and the biopsy was compatible with granulomatous cheilitis. In conclusion, MRS has to be considered as a diagnostic possibility in a patient who consulted for recurrent edema associated with other dermatologic and neurologic manifestations, although not necessarily having the complete triad.