Bilateral upper eyelid edema in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

Abstract

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by a triad of facial nerve palsy, orofacial edema, and fissured tongue. A 42-year-old woman with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome presented with painless, nonpitting, bilateral asymmetric upper eyelid edema. The left eyelid was a bit larger than the right eyelid. CT and MRI demonstrated periorbital soft tissue thickening compatible with the microscopic findings of infiltration of lymphocytes, edema, and cystic dilatation of lymphatic vessels. After treatment by systemic doxycycline and corticosteroid, she showed some improvement of the eyelid edema. Isolated bilateral eyelids swelling may be observed in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. In the case of unexplained nonpitting eyelid edema, biopsy should be performed.