Lupus in the guise of pure neuritic leprosy

Nerve palsy without skin lesions would bring to mind, pure neuritic form of leprosy in endemic countries like India. However, it is imperative to keep in mind the possibilities of other conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus; the misdiagnosis of which can lead to disastrous consequences. Here, we discuss such a case which was initially suspected to be pure neuritic leprosy and later diagnosed just on time for emergency management of eye complications.