DOI: 10.12890/2025_005836

Morgagni-Stewart-Morel syndrome presenting as acute neurological and respiratory distress

Authors

  • Marwa Ben Abdallah Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Aymen Farroukh Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Faten Mzoughi Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Houssem Affes Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Mariam Mallek Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Wassel Mokni Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
  • Adel Chaari Prehospital Emergency Service (SAMU 04), Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

marwabenabdallah2022@yahoo.com

Keywords

Morgagni-Stewart-Morel syndrome, internal frontal hyperostosis, hypothyroidism, respiratory distress

Abstract

Background: Morgagni-Stewart-Morel syndrome (MSMS) is an uncommon disorder characterized by internal frontal hyperostosis, obesity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and often associated endocrine abnormalities, notably hypothyroidism. Acute presentations are rare and can pose diagnostic challenges, especially in the prehospital setting. We describe a rare acute presentation of Morgagni-Stewart-Morel syndrome (MSM) involving neurological deterioration and respiratory failure, highlight the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management in improving outcomes.
Case presentation: A 62-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset severe neurological impairment accompanied by acute respiratory distress, initially identified by prehospital emergency medical services. Prompt airway management, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, enabled stabilization and urgent transfer to hospital care. Neuroimaging revealed characteristic internal frontal bone thickening, confirming the diagnosis of MSMS. A multidisciplinary approach targeting the neurological, endocrine, and respiratory components led to progressive clinical improvement and a favourable recovery.
Conclusion: This case underscores the critical importance of early recognition of MSMS in acute, life-threatening presentations. Awareness of this rare syndrome among prehospital and emergency clinicians can facilitate timely intervention and improve patient outcomes.

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References

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Published

2025-10-22

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 11 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Ben Abdallah M, Farroukh A, Mzoughi F, Affes H, Mallek M, Mokni W, et al. Morgagni-Stewart-Morel syndrome presenting as acute neurological and respiratory distress. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 22 [cited 2026 Nov. 4];12(11). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5836