Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a form of pseudoangioedema.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is an unusual cause of facial swelling that can be confused with angioedema.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a young woman with facial swelling initially considered to be angioedema.

METHODS:

A biopsy specimen of the eyelid demonstrated findings consistent with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

RESULTS:

After reviewing the differential diagnosis of pseudoangioedema, a presumptive diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome was made. The patient was successfully treated with infliximab for Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Owing to medication adverse effects, infliximab treatment was discontinued. Treatment was then continued with adalimumab, with good effect and without adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

We report the case of a patient with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome presenting as angioedema. Furthermore, we report the first successful treatment of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome with adalimumab.

• Authors: Charlene Kakimoto, Chad Sparks, Andrew A White
• Journal: Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol) Vol. 99 Issue 2 Pg. 185-9 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 1081-1206 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17718107 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Adalimumab

Topics

• Adalimumab
• Adult
• Angioedema (diagnosis)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Biopsy
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Eyelids (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy, pathology)