Pure neural leprosy (PNL) is infrequent and manifests exclusively in the peripheral nerves without skin involvement, making the diagnosis more complex. We report the case of a 10-year-old child with muscle atrophy and sensory loss, diagnosed through clinical evaluation, grade 2 disability, and a positive anti-PGL-I test. The slit-skin smear (SSS) was negative for acid-fast bacilli. After 12 months of multidrug therapy, esthesiometric sensitivity improved; however, neurological deficits persisted, requiring anti-inflammatory treatment and physiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for preventing disabilities. Tools, such as anti-PGL-I tests and imaging, are crucial, particularly in resource-limited settings.
BT - Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical C1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41779508 DA - 01/2026 DO - 10.1590/0037-8682-0158-2025 J2 - Rev Soc Bras Med Trop LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Pure neural leprosy (PNL) is infrequent and manifests exclusively in the peripheral nerves without skin involvement, making the diagnosis more complex. We report the case of a 10-year-old child with muscle atrophy and sensory loss, diagnosed through clinical evaluation, grade 2 disability, and a positive anti-PGL-I test. The slit-skin smear (SSS) was negative for acid-fast bacilli. After 12 months of multidrug therapy, esthesiometric sensitivity improved; however, neurological deficits persisted, requiring anti-inflammatory treatment and physiotherapy. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for preventing disabilities. Tools, such as anti-PGL-I tests and imaging, are crucial, particularly in resource-limited settings.
PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 6 T2 - Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical TI - Pure neural leprosy in a child: case report and diagnostic challenges. UR - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12990783/pdf/1678-9849-rsbmt-59-e0158-2025.pdf VL - 59 SN - 1678-9849 ER -