Is the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome related to the exposure to food additives? A case report

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1989 Apr;67(4):393-5. doi: 10.1016/0030-4220(89)90380-0.

Abstract

We present a case of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome that occurred in an adult patient who experienced intolerance to the food additives sodium benzoate and tartrazine. The main symptoms were the facial swelling, hypertrophy of the gums, and a typical infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells around the small vessels observed in the biopsy of the gums. No involvement of facial nerves was present, and other disorders of granulomatosis have been excluded. All clinical manifestations went into remission once the food additives were excluded from the usual diet.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azo Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Benzoates / adverse effects*
  • Benzoic Acid
  • Food Additives / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Tartrazine / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • Benzoates
  • Food Additives
  • Benzoic Acid
  • Tartrazine