02266nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653003000055653001100085653002200096653000900118653001800127653001100145653001200156653003100168653000900199653003900208653001700247653003100264100001100295700001300306700001100319245010500330856005100435300001100486490000700497050003200504520139000536022001401926       2009                            d  c2009 Dec10aBone Diseases, Infectious10aFemale10aFollow-Up Studies10aFoot10aFoot Diseases10aHumans10aleprosy10aMagnetic Resonance Imaging10aMale10aPeripheral Nervous System Diseases10aTarsal Bones10aTomography, X-Ray Computed1 aSlim F1 aFaber WR1 aMaas M00aThe role of radiology in nerve function impairment and its musculoskeletal complications in leprosy.  uhttps://leprosyreview.org/article/80/4/37-3387  a373-870 v80  aInfolep Library - available3 a<p>Conventional techniques, such as plain radiography and bone-scintigraphy, were used in the past to evaluate skeletal changes in patients with leprosy. More recent publications focus on radiological imaging of affected nerves, and involve advanced modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT-scan), Ultrasonography (US), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). US and MRI can play an especially important role in the evaluation of nerve involvement in newly diagnosed patients, and also during leprosy reactions. This is important, because when nerve involvement is diagnosed in time, it may be reversible with adequate treatment. Radiological modalities can also play an important role during the followup of patients with leprosy with nerve function impairment. Skeletal and soft-tissue abnormalities occur, even after treatment. The so-called neuropathic foot is a well known consequence. Because of nerve function impairment, there is a constant risk of developing ulcers and subsequent osteomyelitis, or neuro-osteoarthropathy (Charcot foot or tarsal disintegration), which can lead to the amputation of the affected limb. Different radiological modalities can be used during the evaluation and follow-up of patients with leprosy with a neuropathic foot. With this up-to-date review, we highlight the importance and potential role of radiological imaging techniques in leprosy.</p>  a0305-7518