Orofacial edema: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician

Background and Conclusion: A case of a 41-year-old patient with a 5-year hi story of chronic recurrent angioedema, refractory to conservative treatment is presented. The results of the case report suggest that in differential diagnosis of angioedema, in addition to usual causes, the allergist-immunol ogist needs to consider Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, which can present wi th a variety of symptom-combinations of the classic triad. The distinguishi ng characteristics of the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome are its refractorin ess to the usual anti-inflammatory therapy and the need to consider correct ive cosmetic surgery, which may benefit some patients.