Capillary leak syndrome of the face

BACKGROUND: Capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder, with various clinic al features, characterized by episodes of diffuse edema. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 83 year-old woman with capillary leak syndrome of the face characterized by recurrent episodes of edamata. We fou nd a follicular non-Hogkin's lymphoma and high levels of plasma interleukin (IL) 2 and IL 6. Regression of edema and remission of hematology disease h ave been obtained with corticoids and chloraminophene. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates that capillary leak syndrome may present as an edema of the face and may be in some cases considered as a paraneopla stic syndrome. The role of cytokines seems important. This case suggests th at corticoids may be useful in the management of neoplasm induced capillary leak syndrome.