Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Abstract

Two patients were referred to the University of South Florida College of Medicine Allergy and Immunology Clinic for evaluation of "angioedema." Patient 1 presented with intermittent severe lip edema, and patient 2 presented with lip and facial swelling together with facial palsy. Multiple symptomatic treatments had been ineffective. Both patients were ultimately found to have Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, a rare granulomatous disorder of undetermined cause that must be considered in a differential diagnosis of facial edema. The patients are presented in detail to call attention to the diagnosis of the condition in order that unnecessary treatment, with attendant side effects, may be avoided.