[Classification and scope of clinical variations of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome].

Apart from the apparent trias of oro-facial swellings, facial paresis, and lingua plicata (LP), Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) comprises a variety of complex signs and symptoms. During the last 18 years, 73 patients suffering from MRS were admitted to our hospital. Re-examination of 42 out of these patients and evaluation of all data available proved preceding facial paresis(es) in only 34% of all cases and LP of various degrees in 52%. In more than 80%, however, we found vasomotoric, sialo-secretory, or other neurovegetative "minor signs", locally and/or temporally connected with swellings of either skin or mucosa. Since such minor signs are essential for the diagnosis and the understanding of both "complete" and "incomplete" forms of MRS (either associated with or without typical cheilitis granulomatosa), we worked out a classification of MRS considering the dermal, neurological, and neurovegetative affections observed in our cases and according to the relevant literature. A systematic classification like this, which takes into account the diagnostic signification of the findings, allows exact recognition of "incomplete" forms of MRS and represents a conditio sine qua non with regard to family studies and the follow-up of patients concerned.