Question

A patient presents with a combination of the following signs: lower lip swelling, facial nerve palsy, and a tongue with fissuresWhich syndrome is most likely?

• A. Pierre Robin sequence
• B. Parry-Romberg syndrome
• C. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
• D. Guillain-Barré syndrome

Hint:

Melkersson-Rosenthal = Lip swelling + Facial palsy + Fissured tongue (Classical triad).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question describes a patient presenting with the following signs: lower lip swelling, facial nerve palsy, and a tongue with fissures. The correct option for this combination of symptoms is Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

1. Understanding the symptoms:
   • Lower Lip Swelling: This is also known as cheilitis granulomatosa, a characteristic sign of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.
   • Facial Nerve Palsy: This is another classic feature of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. It involves temporary or partial paralysis of the facial muscles.
   • Fissured Tongue: This refers to the presence of grooves or fissures on the tongue's surface, another hallmark of this syndrome.
2. Rule out other options:
   • Pierre Robin Sequence: Typically involves mandibular hypoplasia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate—symptoms not aligned with the question.
   • Parry-Romberg Syndrome: Characterized by facial hemiatrophy, which is not a match for the described symptoms.
   • Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Known for causing acute polyneuropathy, often starting with muscle weakness, not matching the symptoms listed.
3. Conclusion: The combination of symptoms best matches Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. This syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by recurrent facial paralysis, swelling of the face and lips (often the upper lip), and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue. Thus, the answer is confirmed as Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.