The Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome: a retrospective study of biopsied cases

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome and Migraine: A New Phenotype Associated with SCN1A Variants?

Peripheral facial palsy rarely occurs as part of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS), which is characterized by the classical triad of tongue cheilitis, recurrent episodes of orofacial swelling, and palsy. MRS is a disorder with variable expressivity and clinical as well as genetic heterogeneity; however, the causative gene remains to be identified. Migraine is a common neurological disorder, presenting with or without aura, which may be associated with neurological symptoms. The classical example of monogenic migraine is familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), which has phenotypic variability in carriers of variants in the same gene or even carriers of the same variant. We present a family in which two sisters displayed recurrent migraines, one of which presented recurrent facial palsy and had clinical diagnosis of MRS. We performed WES and Sanger sequencing for segregation analysis in the available family members. We identified a c.3521C>G missense heterozygous variant in SCN1A carried only by the affected sister. Variants in the SCN1A gene can cause a spectrum of early-onset epileptic encephalopathies, in addition to FHM; therefore, our finding reasonably explains the proband phenotype, in which the main symptom was recurrent facial palsy. This report also adds knowledge to the clinical spectrum of SCN1A alterations and suggests a potential overlap between MRS and FHM.

Rossolimo–Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome as a manifestation of lip sarcoidosis

A 38-year-old female patient complained of lip augmentation. With a preliminary diagnosis of RossolimoMelkerssonRosenthal syndrome (monosymptomatic form), chronic fissure of the lower lip, the patient was sent for examination in order to exclude tumor pathology and vascular malformation. According to the results of a comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination, it was found that lip enlargement is due to the formation of granulomas. Additional follow-up by a pulmonologist confirmed the presence of sarcoidosis of the lungs with involvement of the mediastinal lymph nodes. A comprehensive examination made it possible to verify the diagnosis of multisystem sarcoidosis in a patient with macrocheilitis. As a result of complex therapy using surgical methods and systemic glucocorticosteroids, a rapid dynamics of clinical symptoms was observed and remission was achieved. This clinical case demonstrates a combination of sarcoid lesions of the tissues of the mediastinal lymph nodes, lung parenchyma and lips. It was the presence of macrocheilitis that was the main reason for visiting a dermatovenereologist and was the reason for choosing the subsequent tactics of examination and treatment. As a result of complex therapy using surgical methods of treatment and systemic glucocorticosteroids, carried out entirely within the framework of the program of state guarantees of free medical care for citizens, a stable remission of the disease was achieved.

An interesting case of lip swelling!

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (also termed "Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome") or (MRS), is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the clinical triad of recurring facial nerve paralysis, swelling of one or both lips and fissural tongue. We report a patient with Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome initially referred to Dermatology Department as angioedema. The diagnosis and treatment procedures were presented with special emphasis to the clinical features of this rare condition.

Rare diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome in a paediatric patient

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome characterised by the triad of recurrent orofacial swelling, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. This diagnosis is particularly rare in children. We aim to increase awareness of the syndromic association of these clinical features since most patients present with a monosymptomatic form, reiterating the importance of detailed history and thorough physical examination, for the timely identification of these patients. Not only the recurring of symptoms, but also the association of MRS with other medical conditions, make 'earlier' diagnosis of the Syndrome beneficial. The average delay in diagnosis is 4-9 years. Although most cases resolve without treatment, when treated,steroids are most commonly used. Variable options have been tried for refractory and frequently recurrent cases. We present a case of MRS in a 12-year-old girl, diagnosed 3 years after onset of symptoms. We reviewed updated literature for MRS and associated clinical conditions as well as published treatment options.

Orofacial Granulomatosis and Crohn Disease: Coincidence or Pattern? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

To systematically review all cases of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) and evaluate the association between OFG and Crohn disease (CD).

SUMMARY

This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and a search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, and the Cochrane Library in March 2020, using keywords and MeSH terms associated with "orofacial granulomatosis," "Crohn disease," and their variants, with no language restrictions and across all age groups. All relevant articles were accessed in full text. Single case reports and articles on sarcoidosis, allergy, ulcerative colitis, and infectious diseases were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

We retrieved 507 reports on OFG. The mean age at onset was 23.3 years (range 2-89 years). A total of 240 (47.3%) females and 267 (52.6%) males were included. CD was present in 93 children aged <16 years (68.3%) and in 43 adults (31.9%). In most cases, the OFG appeared before the CD. The most common clinical manifestations were intraoral mucosa abnormalities (n = 251; 49.5%), lower-lip swelling (n = 249; 49.1%), upper-lip swelling (n = 227; 44.7%), and gingivae (n = 193; 38.7%). Patients with concurrent CD were more likely to experience involvement of the buccal sulcus. Key Messages: OFG presents primarily as a solo entity. The OFG that was associated with CD was present in 93 children aged under 16 years (68.3%) and in 43 adults (31.9%). Childhood onset of OFG carries with it a higher risk of developing CD.

Clinical Profile of Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome/Orofacial Granulomatosis: A Review of 51 Patients

BACKGROUND

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare disease characterized by the triad of granulomatous cheilitis, fissured tongue, and facial paralysis. Publications concerning large series are rare in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients with complete and oligosymptomatic forms of MRS.

METHODS

A retrospective records review was performed for the diagnoses of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, granulomatous cheilitis, and orofacial granulomatosis at oral Diseases Clinic of the Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo, Brazil (2003, 2017).

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were included, mean age at presentation 35.69 years. Four patients were younger than 18 years. The complete triad of was observed in 10 patients. The rare findings of granulomatous blepharitis, gingivitis and palatitis are presented. Comorbidities included Crohn's disease (5 patients), migraine headaches (1 patient) and convulsions (2 patients). Granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate was detected in 31 biopsies. Medical therapies included included oral and intralesional steroids, thalidomide, dapsone, azathioprine, tetracycline, methotrexate, and surgery, with variable responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report meant to draw attention to the clinical spectrum of this rare disorder, mainly to oligosymptomatic forms and rarer presentations.

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 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. This 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. The 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. The 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. There are no curative treatments. Therapy is focused on modulating the patient's immune response, and relapses are frequent.

Salivary changes in oxidative stress related to inflammation in oral and gastrointestinal diseases

OBJECTIVES

The early diagnosis and monitoring of Crohn's disease (CD) and orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) might be facilitated by assaying potential disease biomarkers in saliva. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were assayed in salivas from patients with CD, OFG and concurrent OFG and CD (OFG + CD).

SUBJECTS

Unstimulated whole mouth saliva was collected from 93 subjects, and immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin (LF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by ELISA. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assayed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

Immunoglobulin A was significantly (p < .03) higher in experimental groups vs the control group. LF was significantly (p < .01) higher in OFG + CD compared to CTRL and CD. Ferric reducing antioxidant power was lower (p ≤ .009) in all experimental groups, and advanced glycation end products were higher (p ≤ .01) in CD and OFG + CD patients.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress is increased in saliva in CD and OFG. Although MPO, a product of inflammatory cells, was not significantly increased, the other innate immune markers, IgA and LF, which are also secreted by salivary glands, were increased. This study suggests that saliva might be utilized in monitoring CD and OFG but further longitudinal studies focused on analysing a panel of salivary markers are needed.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome with coeliac and allergic diseases

A 45-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of relapsing oedema of the lips. Moreover, he exhibited recurrent facial nerve palsy since the age of 10 years, coeliac disease since the age of 12 years, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Physical examination revealed lip swelling and lingua plicata. Thus, he presented the classic triad of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome which includes recurrent orofacial oedema, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. A lip biopsy confirmed our clinical diagnosis.This case is particularly rare, as the classic triad is seen only in a minority of the cases. Moreover, allergic and coeliac diseases were observed concomitantly. This paper illustrates a potential pathophysiological interconnection between these pathologies in which interferon gamma could play a key role. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in which Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome has been observed concurrently with coeliac disease.

Melkersson⁻Rosenthal Syndrome in Childhood: Report of Three Paediatric Cases and a Review of the Literature

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) in children is a rare condition, clinically characterised by a triad of synchronous or metachronous symptoms: recurrent peripheral facial palsy, relapsing orofacial oedema, and a fissured tongue; the most recent review published on the topic has reported 30 published patients. The aetiology of this disease is still unclear. However, genetic factors, as well as alterations in immune functions, infections, and allergic reactions have been postulated. We report three children suffering from MRS and perform a literature review of paediatric cases. Taking into account that clinical and laboratoristical criteria for the diagnosis of MRS are lacking, this syndrome is probably underestimated, and we suggest increasing awareness of such a rare syndrome. Close multidisciplinary follow-up of these children with a team composed by paediatricians, neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists is crucial to guarantee exhaustive management and treatment success, while minimising relapses.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a case report of a rare disease with overlapping features

BACKGROUND

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare, neuro-mucocutaneous disease which presents as orofacial swelling, facial palsy and fissured tongue. These symptoms may occur simultaneously or, more frequently, with a oligosymptomatic or monosymptomatic pattern. Swelling, that is the most common initial finding, may mimic hereditary or acquired angioedema, a disorder caused by histamine or bradykinin-mediated plasma-leakage affecting subcutaneous and/or submucosal tissue. The differential diagnosis of MRS includes also chronic inflammatory and infective diseases characterized by granulomatous infiltration, as well as rosacea, contact dermatitis, allergic reactions and Bell's palsy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year old, non-allergic female patient with no familial and personal history of angioedema presented, a few days after a possible herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus infection, with monolateral facial paraesthesia and lower lip edema. After temporary remission of symptoms on oral steroids and antihistamines, she showed swelling recurrence refractory to valaciclovir therapy and a subsequent course of antihistamines. The clinical picture and a previous history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma prompted us to rule out an acquired form of paraneoplastic, C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency: C1q and both antigen and functional C1-INH tested normal, whilst we found low plasma levels of C3 and C4 possibly related to the parallel detection of antiphospholipid antibodies. Thus, we hypothesized a non-histaminergic, idiopathic form of angioedema and planned further therapy with tranexamic acid and the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast. Treatment failure with both drugs finally suggested a Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, which was confirmed by histologic findings of non caseating granulomas on lip biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome may occur with rather non-specific symptoms and overlap with alternative conditions, including recurrent angioedema. No specific biomarkers for MRS exist and clinical diagnosis is often of exclusion. The finding of complement or immune alterations, as in our patient, may be further confounding and justify the need for skin or mucosal biopsy to establish a correct diagnosis and prescribe targeted therapy.

Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson Rosenthal syndromes (MRS) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited neurocutaneous syndrome characterised by a triad of facial (seventh cranial) nerve palsy, recurrent orofacial swelling and fissuring of the tongue. A recent report implicated a heterozygous missense variant in SLC27A1 (FATP1) as the cause of this condition in members of an affected Chinese family. We undertook Sanger sequencing of this gene in 14 affected unrelated individuals affected by MRS. We did not detect any putative pathogenic variants. Our data indicates that there is both clinical and genetic heterogeneity in this condition and that the causative gene remains to be identified for the majority of cases.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: the possible role of comorbidities in the etiopathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (MRS) is a rare syndrome. Recently, possible association between MRS and psoriasis was reported. Our objective is to evaluate the presence of comorbidities in MRS with a focus on psoriasis-related morbidities.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study consisting of a series of 12 patients with MRS and two groups of age- and gender-matched controls: 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 28 patients with acute contact dermatitis. A comparative analysis for the prevalence of comorbidities, with a focus on psoriasis-related morbidities, was done.

RESULTS

Psoriasis-related morbidities including smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were recorded in 5 (42%) patients with MRS, compared to 15 (50%) patients with psoriasis and 2 (7%) patients with acute contact dermatitis. The prevalence of psoriasis-related morbidities did not differ significantly between the group of patients with MRS and the group of patients with psoriasis. On the other hand, the difference between the group of patients with MRS and the group of patients with contact dermatitis was statistically significant (P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The similar prevalence of psoriasis-related morbidities in MRS and in psoriasis may further support an association between MRS and psoriasis.

Selected presentations of lip enlargement: clinical manifestation and differentiation

Lip enlargement may be an important symptom of either systemic or local diseases. On the basis of selected age-matched clinical cases we present the possible causes of lip swelling. We describe the most representative symptoms and recommend treatment of these pathologies. We differentiate lip swelling in Miescher syndrome, monosymptomatic form of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, lip swelling in erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome and lip hemangioma and mucous extravasation cyst. We compare different causes of lip edema and indicate the most helpful diagnostic and treatment methods.

Ocular, Auricular, and Oral Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is primarily a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, though it can often affect other organ systems. These extraintestinal manifestations occur in a quarter to one-third of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While musculoskeletal and dermatologic manifestations are the most common, it is also important to be cognizant of head, eye, ear, nose, and throat (HEENT) manifestations and educate IBD patients about them. Here we review the ocular manifestations in conjunction with the lesser-known but increasingly recognized ENT manifestations. Considering the lack of randomized controlled trials in treating HEENT manifestations of IBD, this review is primarily based on case reports, case series, and expert opinion with a particular focus on the newer literature supporting use of anti-TNF agents.

Sore or Swollen Lips Part 3: Diagnosis and Treatment

This series of three papers reviews the causes, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and outlines the management of sore and/or swollen lips. Clinical relevance: Sore and/or swollen lips are not uncommon, often have a local cause but may reflect a systemic disease. The previous 2 papers in the series discussed their causes. This paper reviews their diagnosis and treatment.

Granulomatous & histiocytic dermatitides

Granulomas of the skin may be classified in several ways. They are either infectious or non-infectious in character, and they contain areas of necrobiosis or necrosis, or not. Responsible infectious agents may be mycobacterial, fungal, treponemal, or parasitic organisms, and each case of granulomatous dermatitis should be assessed histochemically for those microbes. In the non-infectious group, examples of necrobiotic or necrotizing granulomas include granuloma annulare; necrobiosis lipoidica; rheumatoid nodule; and lupus miliaris disseminates faciei. Non-necrobiotic/necrotizing and non-infectious lesions are exemplified by sarcoidosis; foreign-body reactions; Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome; Blau syndrome; elastolytic granuloma; lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis; interstitial granulomatous dermatitis; cutaneous involvement by Crohn disease; granulomatous rosacea; and granulomatous pigmented purpura. Histiocytic dermatitides that do not feature granuloma formation are peculiar reactions to infection, such as cutaneous malakoplakia; leishmaniasis; histoplasmosis; lepromatous leprosy; rhinoscleroma; lymphogranuloma venereum; and granuloma inguinale.

Diagnosis of Lingual Atrophic Conditions: Associations with Local and Systemic Factors. A Descriptive Review

Atrophic glossitis is a condition characterised by absence of filiform or fungiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Consequently, the ordinary texture and appearance of the dorsal tongue, determined by papillary protrusion, turns into a soft and smooth aspect.

Throughout the years, many factors, both local and systemic, have been associated with atrophic glossitis as the tongue is currently considered to be a mirror of general health. Moreover, various tongue conditions were wrongly diagnosed as atrophic glossitis. Oral involvement can conceal underlying systemic conditions and, in this perspective, the role of clinicians is fundamental.

Early recognition of oral signs and symptoms, through a careful examination of oral anatomical structures, plays a crucial role in providing patients with a better prognosis.

Recurrent Facial Palsy and Electrophysiological Findings in Oligosymptomatic Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disorder characterized by the classic triad of facial swelling, recurrent facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. The clinical course is usually progressive, and etiology is unknown. The authors describe oligosymptomatic Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome in a young girl presenting sequentially with recurrent, metachronous facial nerve palsy and hemifacial swelling in early childhood followed by fissuring in the tongue in late-childhood. Histopathological examination from the affected labial area showed non-granulomatous inflammation. Bilateral facial nerve conduction and blink reflex studies showed asymmetrical affection of both facial nerves with mixed features of axonal and demyelinating involvement. The patient remained steroid-refractory, and subsequent attacks remitted with partial recovery. The combination of facial edema and facial palsy in a child should alert the physicians to the diagnosis of Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome. A diagnostic mucosal biopsy, evaluation for systemic and oro-facial granulomatous disorders, and short course of corticosteroid treatment are recommended.

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome with Genitalia Involved in a 12-Year-Old Boy

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is an uncommon granulomatous disease characterized by the triad of relapsing facial paralysis, orofacial swelling, and fissured tongue. Genital swelling in MRS is rarely reported. We presented the first case of complete MRS with genital swelling in a child. Biopsy examinations of both the child's lower lip and penis showed noncaseating granuloma and intralymphatic granuloma infiltration. No symptoms or signs of other systemic disease (Crohn's disease or sarcoidosis) were observed after 2 years of follow-up. Genetic screening for CARD15/NOD2 in this patient showed negative, which further confirmed the diagnosis of MRS. Eleven other cases of suspected complete or incomplete MRS with genitalia involved were reviewed. Our case emphasizes the specific clinical feature of MRS with genitalia involved, which was genetically different from Crohn's disease and could be an independent entity. Lymphatic obstruction is responsible for localized edema in MRS.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome - delay in the diagnosis of an early-onset oligosymptomatic variant

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disease with a chronic intermittent course, characterized by a classic triad of orofacial swelling, fissured tongue (lingua plicata) and facial paralysis. The authors describe the case of an oligosymptomatic variant (lip and tongue involvement) with childhood onset, whose diagnosis was only established at the age of 19 years. The syndrome's pathophysiology is unclear and the treatment is challenging; corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay of treatment and is associated with clinical and histological improvement.

Cheilitis granulomatosa associated with lupus erythematosus discoid and treated with methotrexate: report of a case

We present the rare case of a 47-year-old patient, suffering from cheilitis granulomatosa and lupus erythematosus discoid: this association is really exceptional because only once reported in English literature. In addition, the treatment of cheilitis granulomatosa is a challenge for the dermatologist: the gold standard, represented by steroids, is in fact designed as a short-time option. Our report confi rms the good efficacy of methotrexate as a steroid-sparing agent.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome as an early manifestation of mixed connective tissue disease

Purpose of review

We aim to illustrate the potential viability of MCTD as an underlying aetiology of Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome. The case is probably the first description available in the literature of the Melkersson–Rosenthal as an early manifestation of mixed connective tissue disease.

Recent findings

The Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome consists of a triad of recurrent lip and/or face swelling, fissured tongue, and intermittent facial palsy. Mixed connective tissue disease is a multisystemic disorder with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis, and is differentiated from them by a high titer of antibodies to ribonucleoprotein. The paper presents a case report of Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome with an onset in childhood that derived from vasculitis that turned out to be an early manifestation of mixed connective tissue disease. We used MRI to evaluate patient’s brain structure and Immunoblot Ena Profil 1 test to test serum autoantibodies level. The patient has a typical for Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome triad of symptoms: bilateral facial nerve palsy, lingua plicata and facial oedema. Both TC and MRI of the head show no changes as well as laboratory tests except Anti-SS-A (Anti-Ro) and Anti-RNP autoantibody serum level that was highly positive.

Summary

Neurological involvement of the MCTD usually includes, according to the frequency of the occurrence, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches, sensorineural hearing, cerebral haemorrhage, transverse myelitis, cauda equina syndrome, retinal vasculitis, progressive multifocal encephalopathy, and demyelinating neuropathy. For clinical practice it is important to remember that Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome can also be the neurological manifestation of MCTD, especially when accompanied by other systemic symptoms.

Transglutaminase 2 expressed in mast cells recruited into skin or bone marrow induces the development of pediatric mastocytosis

BACKGROUND

Mastocytosis is characterized by a pathological increase in mast cells in organs such as skin and bone marrow. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expressed in mast cells contributes to allergic diseases, but its role in mastocytosis has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether TG2 contributes to pediatric mastocytosis.

METHODS

Serum, various skin tissues or bone marrow (BM) biopsy and aspirates were obtained from pediatric normal control or patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), mastocytoma, and urticaria pigmentosa (UP). Tryptase, individual cytokines, leukotriene C4 (LTC4 ), and TG2 activity in the serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, mast cell population by May-Grünwald-Giemsa, CD 117 by immunofluorescence, cell surface molecules by Western blot, and colocalization of c-kit and TG2 or IL-10-expressing cells, CD25, and FOXP3 by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Infiltration of CD25(+) CD117(+) CD2(-) mast cells into BM and scalp/trunk/ear dermis; expression of FcεRI, tryptase, c-kit, FOXP3, CCL2/CCR2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; and colocalization of c-kit and TG2 were enhanced in patient's skin tissues or BM, particularly SM, but colocalization of c-kit and IL-10-expressing cells was decreased vs. normal tissues. Amounts of LTC4 and inflammatory cytokines, expression of tryptase or TG2 activity were increased in patient's serum, BM aspirates, or ear/scalp skin tissues, respectively, vs. normal persons, but IL-10 level was decreased.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that mast cells, recruited in the skin and BM by CCL2/CCR, may induce the development of pediatric mastocytosis through reducing IL-10 due to upregulating TG2 activity via transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Thus, TG2 may be used in diagnosis of pediatric mastocytosis, particularly SM.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a retrospective study of 44 patients

CONCLUSION

When patients with recurrent facial paralysis are encountered, otolaryngologists should check for fissured tongue, and question those patients about orofacial edema, minor symptoms, and family history. Histologic evidence is not necessary for the diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS), while coronary high-resolution CT (HRCT) reconstruction of temporal bone and food allergen detection may be beneficial. Prophylactic decompression of the facial nerve for patients with appropriate electrophysiological indication may prevent further facial palsy attacks.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical features of a group of patients with MRS with major complaints of facial palsy treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, and to comment on MRS from the perspective of otolaryngologists.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patient database for the last 6 years in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Beijing Shijitan Hospital was performed to find patients diagnosed with MRS.

RESULTS

A total of 44 MRS patients were included in this study. The mean age at onset was 14.1 years. A total of 13 (29.5%) patients had family history, 17 (38.6%) revealed broadened fallopian canal on coronary HRCT reconstruction of temporal bone, and 20/23 (87.0%) patients showed positive results in food allergen detection. Thirty-one patients accepted subtotal facial nerve decompression and only one patient had facial palsy recurrence on the same side as the operation.

Neurosarcoidosis: clinical review of a disorder with challenging inpatient presentations and diagnostic considerations

Neurosarcoidosis is frequently on the differential diagnosis for neurohospitalists. The diagnosis can be challenging due to the wide variety of clinical presentations as well as the limitations of noninvasive diagnostic testing. This article briefly touches on systemic features that may herald suspicion of this disorder and then expands in depth on the neurological clinical presentations. Common patterns of neurological presentations are reviewed and unusual presentations are also included. A discussion of noninvasive testing is undertaken, exploring dilemmas that may be encountered with sensitivity and specificity. Drawing from a broad range of clinical clues and diagnostic data, a systematic approach of pursuing a potential tissue diagnosis is then highlighted. Correctly diagnosing neurosarcoidosis is critical, as treatment with appropriate immunosuppression protocols can then be initiated. Additionally, treatment of refractory disease, the trend toward exploring targeted immunomodulation options, and other therapeutic issues are discussed.

Melkerrson-Rosenthal Syndrome, a rare case report of chronic eyelid swelling

Abstract

Melkerrson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. The classical triad of recurrent facial paralysis, swelling of the face, lips and deep furrowed tongue (Lingua Plicata) is seen in very few cases, majority of the patients often present with one or two symptoms only, which often leads to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. Clinically these symptoms vary from days to years, which further delay the definitive diagnosis and symptoms may eventually become permanent. The cause of this entity is not very well understood, but thought to be attributable to multiple entities including genetic and Infectitious. As this entity has been associated with numerous other clinical entities, diagnosis often remains an exclusion process. Methods: A middle age male with a chronic history of heavy eyelids with skin indurations predominately around left eye was presented to ophthalmology clinic. Physical examination revealed a deep furrowed tongue. The skin biopsy from left eyelid revealed a non-specific granulomatous lesion. The clinical correlation of facial swelling and deep plicated tongue prompted the differential of MRS Results: Histologically a non-specific granulomatous lesion was seen in dermis. As a rule, other causes of granulomatous diseases were ruled out especially Crohn’s disease and sarcoidosis. Polarization failed to reveal any foreign body. Conclusions: The finding of granulomatous lesion and clinical picture led to the definite diagnosis of Melkerrson-Rosenthal syndrome. Association with rosacea was other findings. Clinically his sign and symptoms are under control and no occurrence of symptoms has been noted so far.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1647494495993706