Cutaneous eruptions of acute leukemia mimicking leprosy: an interesting case report

Acute leukaemias are highly malignant neoplasms of the haematopoietic system. The clinical presentation of acute leukaemia is diverse, resulting from blasts infiltrating the bone marrow and extramedullary sites. The extramedullary infiltration of skin is common in acute leukemia and encompasses a broad spectrum of cutaneous manifestations, which clinically imitate a wide variety of dermatoses, including leprosy. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The diagnosis of leprosy is challenging due to the complexity of clinical presentation and lack of awareness about the disease. We report an interesting case of acute leukaemia in an adult female, who presented only with cutaneous lesions, which clinically mimicked leprosy. The patient was referred to our hospital after being partially treated for leprosy elsewhere. Meticulous clinical examination and streamlined laboratory investigations helped in excluding leprosy and were crucial in making the diagnosis of acute leukaemia.