Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS), also known as cheilitis granulomatosa or Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome, is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by:

• granulomatous inflammation of the face and lips (non-caseating)
• facial nerve (CN VII) paralysis (involvement of cranial nerves II, VIII, IX and XII have also been reported)
• plication of the tongue

All three findings are only seen in about 25% of cases, with orofacial edema being the dominant finding and presenting sign in 42% of cases.

The facial palsy in MRS, which typically occurs after the onset of edema (although preceding has been reported) is of the lower motor-neuron type and is seen in approximately 30% of patients. It may be complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral, transient or permanent.

Radiographic features

Imaging findings are confined to confirming preseptal orbital edema.

Associations

Associations with Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) have been suggested.

Siehe auch:

• Morbus Crohn
• Encephalomyelitis disseminata
• Nervus facialis
• Hirnnerven