Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: About a Tunisian family and review of the literature

Abstract

Melkersson-Rosenthal (MRS) syndrome is a rare disorder defined as a triad of recurrent peripheral facial palsy, orofacial edema, and fissured tongue. The etiology of this disease is still unclear. Genetic origin has been postulated. Several theories have been advanced to provide further evidence for a hereditary basis of MRS. We describe a case of 14-year-old girl presented with the classic triad symptoms of MRS. The diagnosis of MRS was made on the basis of history, clinical, histopathological examinations and exclusion of differential diagnosis. The family history showed that some members presented similar symptoms. A chromosome analysis was performed. This observation with familial occurrence of MRS may support the genetic origin theory of MRS. However; present available studies do not provide sufficient evidence to confirm a genetic origin.

Keywords: Fissured tongue; Genetic; Heredity; Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome; Recurrent facial paralysis.