Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a form of pseudoangioedema.
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.
Kakimoto
Charlene
C
Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
Sparks
Chad
C
White
Andrew A
AA
D000068879:Adalimumab; D000328:Adult; D000799:Angioedema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005143:Eyelids / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008556:Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068879:Adalimumab