Recurrent peripheral facial nerve palsy.

Background: Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disorder characterized, in its complete form, by recurrent facial nerve palsy, fissured tongue and oro-facial swelling. Most of the cases present with partial or monosymptomatic forms. The etiology is still unknown, and it is considered a chronic disease with progressive course. Case report: We present a nine-year-old girl with recurrent episodes of peripheral facial nerve palsy. Examination revealed lips swelling, fissured tongue and angular cheilitis. Clinical diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome was made. Conclusions: We must consider this syndrome in the differential diagnosis in the presence of acute peripheral facial paralysis and/or facial swelling due to its behavior and progressive evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]