Cheilitis Granulomatosa the Melkersson— Rosenthal Syndrome

Abstract

Nineteen patients, 9 of whom belonged to the mono-symptomatic cheilitis granulomatosa Miescher group and 10 to the multisymptomatic Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, are described. Clinical comparison of the groups disclosed no differences of principle except for the main symptoms of the triad. Microscopic examination showed both diagnostic and non-specific inflammatory changes to be somewhat more pronounced in the monosymptomatic form. The intralymphangial plugging phenomenon was encountered relatively rarely. In the authors' opinion, the disease may be attributable at least partly to an altered tendency of constitutional origin to respond to non-specific stimuli by the formation of granulomas. A stronger response then limits the process (to monosymptomatic). The healing of topical inflammatory foci, e.g. teeth, proved often helpful in lip swelling. Surgical excision was clearly the best method for the management of stationary edema.