[Osteitis leprosa multiplex cystica--an early symptom of lepromatous leprosy].

Bone lesions of the finger in a 20-year-old leprosy patient are described to show their diagnostic value. The aetiological differences between specific (caused by Mycobacterium leprae itself) and unspecific osseal changes are morphologically noticeable in morbus Hansen. The X-ray picture shows cystic lightening by granulomatous destruction and distal absorption of the bone. These lesions are typical, and radiological investigations might be the first step in the diagnosis of leprosy. In our case, ostitis leprosa multiplex cystica, an early, specific bone lesion, was predominant.