Leprosy: a close mimic in a rheumatology clinic
Samant, R.; Nadkar, M.Y.; Vaidya, S.S.; Chhugani, S.J.; Balaji, R.; Borges, N.E.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 47(6): 576-579
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 10999151 Document Number: 505272
Cutaneous and neurological manifestations of leprosy are readily diagnosed. However, physicians sometimes fail to recognize that leprosy may present with a rheumatic symptoms. A plethora of rheumatic manifestations are associated with leprosy, particularly with lepra reactions. A diligent examination for skin lesions/nerve involvement may uncover the diagnosis of leprosy in a patient referred for a rheumatological disorder. To highlight the fact that leprosy can mimic several rheumatological disorders, we have discussed a few representative cases seen over the past two years at our rheumatology clinic in a teaching hospital. In all these cases, a diagnosis of leprosy was made when the patient was referred for a rheumatic complaint.