Melkerssson-Rosenthal Syndrome called a chronic disease, accompanied by a triad of underlying symptoms. The name of the pathology contains two names of doctors. Melkerssson described two symptoms, and the third designated Rosenthal. As a result, the disease was named after both doctors.
About Melkerssson-Rosenthal Syndrome
The syndrome is polyetiological. Of great importance for its development has many factors:
- infectious allergy;
- vasomotor disorders and hereditary predisposition to them;
- pathology of the lymphatic system in the region of the neck and head;
- chronic foci of odontogenic infection;
- sinusitis.
In the presence of Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome, its neuro-dystrophic genesis is possible. Relapses of the disease are seasonal. Basically, Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome affects people from 25 to 35 years old. Overcooling the body and abuse of alcohol can provoke the disease, as well as a number of medications. Bilateral lesion is common - up to 75% of all cases. Very rarely - one-sided.
Symptoms of Melkerssson-Rosenthal Syndrome
The syndrome is manifested by swelling of the lips and cheeks. Then the facial muscles gradually weaken. It becomes difficult for a person to squeeze his eyes, talk, and liquid spills from the corners of his mouth. In 30 percent of patients, dryness or tearing of the eyes appears. In 20%, the perception of sounds is enhanced to such an extent that it becomes unpleasant. What other symptoms characterize Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome? In almost 80% of patients, in addition to swelling of the lips, their strong redness is observed, the tongue increases, its surface becomes uneven, tuberous. Half of the patients experience severe headache, rolling in seizures.
What else is characterized by pathology?
What symptoms characterize the Rossolimo-Melkersson-Rosenthal cerebral syndrome? Initially, it is necessary to mention that Rossolimo is the name of the third doctor, who in 1901 described macroheylitis (lip disease, enlargement in size) in combination with facial nerve paresis. Melkerssson later did this. But from the moment Rossolimo described the disease, his surname is sometimes used in the name of the pathology.
Cerebral syndrome is detected during an objective examination. It can be expressed as:
- headaches (migraines);
- asymmetries of the face ;
- paralysis of facial facial muscles ;
- Bell symptom, lagophthalmos;
- xerophthalmia;
- hyperacusia;
- dysarthria;
- angioedema of the face (usually lips);
- folding of the tongue and macroglossia;
- dysgeusia and agezeusia;
- granulomatous cheilitis.
How is the syndrome detected?
Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome, a photo of which is in this article, can be determined using diagnostics. At the same time held:
- serological studies;
- X-ray, if there is a suspicion that the syndrome arose due to infectious diseases (HIV, syphilis, Lyme disease, sarcoidosis);
- electromyography;
- magnetic resonance imaging of the brain;
- examination by a neuroophthalmologist.
Flow
How is Melkerssson-Rosenthal disease proceeding? The syndrome begins with swelling of the skin of the face. It then spreads to the oral mucosa. The lips increase in size: the upper one is larger, the lower one is smaller. Facial nerve pain may occur, and subsequently paralysis will develop.
The disease is characterized by an acute onset. Swelling develops in a few hours. Usually it is extensive and completely captures the lips, which are painted in a bright red color, sometimes a bluish tint appears. Cracks may form around the mouth. Speech is disturbed, difficulties arise with eating.
How does chronic Melkersson-Rosenthal disease occur? The syndrome also begins with swelling. But it is constant, only increasing or decreasing at times. Edema persists throughout the face and in the oral cavity.
A rare type of Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome is when only the cheeks swell. Usually this is just one of them. Teeth are clearly imprinted on the inside of the cheek. This condition is called the term "granulomatous pareitis." There are no signs of inflammation.
Treatment
How is Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome treated? Doctors use surgical or conservative methods. Initially, the patient is examined for pathologies that could cause the disease. Surgical treatment does not prevent relapse, but rather is used for cosmetic purposes when lip tissue is excised.
With conservative treatment, better results can be achieved with a combination of corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antimalarial drugs. Prednisolone is prescribed in conjunction with Oxytetracycline. Pyrogenic and desensitizing drugs are used. Bacterial therapy is mandatory. If the patient is sensitive to staphylococci, then “Anatoxin” is used.
A patient with Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome is required to prescribe multivitamins, calcium pantothenate, nicotinic acid, vitamin A. “Complamin” is prescribed to improve blood circulation in the soft tissues. The course of use is 10 days. And also appointed "Cavinton", "Tanakan" and "Stugeron", which must be taken from 1 to 2 months. Patients are also prescribed "Nerobol". This is an anti-aging drug. Tranquilizers and sedatives are also prescribed.
Local treatment
What other methods can be overcome Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome? Treatment may be local. In this case, applications are made from heparin ointment. They are combined with dimexide, leaving for 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out 3 to 4 times daily. The course is 3-4 weeks.
Electrophoresis with heparin is used for the lower lip. The procedure is carried out every day. For physiotherapy, Bernard currents, a helium-neon laser, and ultrasound are used.
Applications from corticosteroid and methyluracil ointments are used in inflammatory processes. Masks on the face are applied for 20 minutes, from 2 to 3 times daily. Additionally made applications of keratoplastic agents.
Blockages (3-4 ml) of a two percent warm solution of lidocaine, novocaine and trimecaine are used. Injections are given daily or every two days.
The consequences of Melkerssson-Rosenthal syndrome
The syndrome quickly goes into a chronic stage. This greatly affects the appearance of a person, which is distorted and disfigured by puffiness. Against this background, depression and mental disorders often occur. Due to the enlarged lips and their inactivity, a person hardly chews and swallows, there is a distortion of speech. In the cracks that appear when swelling, harmful bacteria can appear that cause infectious diseases. This also applies to language. Sometimes it becomes covered with cracks. In addition, the risk of this increases due to trauma to the edematous mucosa with teeth, for example, while chewing food.
People suffering from this disease are advised to eat more liquid foods: first courses, various cereals and dairy products. This food is easier to chew and the probability of injury to the oral mucosa is reduced. Fruits and vegetables are also healthy, but they need to be cut into small slices or added to salads. Large pieces of any food are best chopped in the process of eating food with cutlery.