Panuveitis revealing Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Aim: To describe a case of panuveitis revealing Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome (MRS).
 Case report:  A 35-year-old female with a history of bilateral chronic idiopathic panuveitis was referred for work up. On examination, her visual acuity was 3/10 in the right eye and limited to hand motion in the left eye. Slit lamp examination revealed posterior synechiae and vitritis more severe in the left eye. Fundus examination showed bilateral vascular sheathing with no retinitis or choroiditis. Fluorescein angiography revealed bilateral occlusive retinal vasculitis. A careful questioning of the patient revealed the history of relapsing facial paralysis with palpebral edema. The work up ruled out an underlying infectious disease, especially ocular tuberculosis. Examination of the internist revealed a cheilitis and a fissured tongue. The diagnosis of MRS was made and the patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and scatter laser treatment of retinal nonperfusion areas.
Conclusion: MRS is a rare disorder. Ocular involvement, especially uveitis, is uncommon. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome to avoid misdiagnosis and extensive work up.