Facial Palsy in a Child with a History of Cheilitis Granulomatosa: Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare neuromucocutaneous granulomatous syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by a classical triad of relapsing orofacial edema, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, and lingua plicata. However, the classical triad is seen in only a minority of the cases. The majority of patients present with mono-or oligosymptomatic forms of the disease. Childhood onset of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is extremely rare, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. This paper reports the case of an 8-year-old girl with cheilitis granulomatosa. Two years after the initial presentation, she presented with a unilateral peripheral facial palsy and a diagnosis of Melkersson- Rosenthal syndrome was established. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness among otolaryngologists of this condition in children presenting with orofacial swelling and/or peripheral facial palsy. Since symptoms do not always occur simultaneously, diagnosis often requires repeated follow-ups. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach to this condition are crucial to minimize recurrences and prevent orofacial dys-function and its associated implications for the child's psychosocial well-being.