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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Sarcoidosis | Case report

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome in the context of sarcoidosis: a case report 

Authors: J. Casper, S. Mohammad-Khani, J. J. Schmidt, J. T. Kielstein, T. Lenarz, H. Haller, Annette D. Wagner

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the triad of recurrent orofacial swelling with facial paralysis and fissured dorsal tongue. Histologically, noncaseating granulomatous inflammation occurs that confirms the diagnosis. Overlaps between granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis and Crohn’s disease are described. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is the treatment of choice for acute attacks.

Case presentation

We here present a case of a 59-year-old White woman suffering from Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome with a past history of sarcoidosis on therapy with leflunomide in combination with low-dose tacrolimus successfully treated with the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine after failure of systemic steroid therapy.

Conclusions

We propose clofazimine as an alternative treatment in steroid-refractory cases.
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Metadata
Title
Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome in the context of sarcoidosis: a case report 
Authors
J. Casper
S. Mohammad-Khani
J. J. Schmidt
J. T. Kielstein
T. Lenarz
H. Haller
Annette D. Wagner
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-021-03044-5

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