Melkersson–Rosenthal Syndrome
Pronunciation: MEL-ker-son ROH-zen-tal
A rare neuro-mucocutaneous disorder characterised by the triad of recurrent orofacial swelling, relapsing facial nerve palsy, and fissured tongue.
Full Definition
Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is classified within the orofacial granulomatosis spectrum and is marked by its classic triad, though the full triad is present in fewer than half of confirmed cases. Histologically, non-caseating granulomata may be found in affected swollen tissue. The orofacial swelling component overlaps closely with cheilitis granulomatosa (Miescher's cheilitis) when restricted to the lips. Editors must ensure the eponym is hyphenated correctly and both surnames are capitalised; misspellings such as 'Melkerson' or omission of the umlaut are common manuscript errors.
Usage
Usage note: Verify spelling of both surnames at every instance; 'Melkerson' (missing a 's') is a frequent manuscript error. Use an en dash (–) between the two names per most style guides.
In Context
- "A diagnosis of Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome was considered given the triad of lip swelling, facial palsy, and fissured tongue." — Oral medicine case report
- "The hyphen in Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome should be an en dash where house style mandates it for compound eponyms." — Copy-editing note