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.
BT - The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10999151?dopt=Abstract DA - 1999 Jun IS - 6 J2 - J Assoc Physicians India LA - eng N2 -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.
PY - 1999 SP - 576 EP - 9 T2 - The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India TI - Leprosy: a close mimic in a rheumatology clinic. VL - 47 SN - 0004-5772 ER -