Melkersson's Syndrome

Abstract

MELKERSSON'S syndrome is characterized by chronic swelling of the face, peripheral facial palsy, which may be bilateral and may tend to relapse, and in some cases lingua plicata.^1,2Usually the disease begins in childhood or youth with an attack of peripheral facial palsy; either simultaneously, or later, sometimes several years later, a swelling of the face occurs, especially localized to the lips. The tongue is distinctly furrowed (lingua plicata). This apparently rare disease had not been reported in the pediatric literature until 1962¹⁵although (history reveals) in many instances there is onset in childhood. Because of the interesting clinical manifestations and diagnostic problem, a description of this entity as it appeared in a 2½-year-old child seems appropriate. <h3>Case History</h3> This 5½-year-old white male was born following a normal delivery at term on May 29, 1959, weighing 8 lb (3.6 kg). The neonatal period was uncomplicated. In October 1961,