Presentation of bilateral facial paralysis in Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome

Introduction. Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a neuromucocutaneous disorder characterized by the following classic symptom triad: peripheral facial paralysis, orofacial edema, and scrotal or fissured tongue. It is rare, and since most of the patients are oligo- or monosymptomatic, it makes it...

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Autores:
Gaitan Quintero, Gustavo
Camargo, Loida
López Velásquez, Norman Darío
González, Miguel
Tipo de recurso:
Article of journal
Fecha de publicación:
2021
Institución:
Corporación Universidad de la Costa
Repositorio:
REDICUC - Repositorio CUC
Idioma:
spa
OAI Identifier:
oai:repositorio.cuc.edu.co:11323/8899
Acceso en línea:
https://hdl.handle.net/11323/8899
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6646115
https://repositorio.cuc.edu.co/
Palabra clave:
Facial paralysis
Melkersson–Rosenthal
Syndrome
Rights
openAccess
License
CC0 1.0 Universal
Description
Summary:Introduction. Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a neuromucocutaneous disorder characterized by the following classic symptom triad: peripheral facial paralysis, orofacial edema, and scrotal or fissured tongue. It is rare, and since most of the patients are oligo- or monosymptomatic, it makes it difficult to diagnose. Clinical Case. We present a 26-year-old male patient with a history of sickle cell trait, untreated snoring, and left peripheral facial paralysis when he was 11 years old. +is was an overall 20- day clinical profile that started with left peripheral facial paralysis, which was accompanied by moderate-intensity occipital pulsatile headaches. Additionally, the patient experienced paresthesias in the tongue and feelings of labial edema. After one week, he manifested peripheral facial paralysis on the right side. Physical examination revealed bilateral peripheral facial paralysis, mild labial edema, and a scrotal or fissured tongue. +e patient received corticosteroids, which resulted in improvement of the edema and facial paralysis. Discussion. MRS is a rare disorder that predominantly affects women, typically starting in their 20s or 30s. +e etiology is unknown. However, a multifactorial origin that involves environmental factors and a genetic predisposition has been proposed, which causes a dysfunction of the local immune system and autonomic nervous system (ANS) and an appearance of granulomatous inflammation in the lips and tongue. Facial paralysis usually appears later on; however, it can occur from its clinical debut. +ere are no curative treatments. +erapy is focused on modulating the patient’s immune response, and relapses are frequent.