The Rheumatic Manifestations of Leprosy (Hansen Disease)1

Abstract

Rheumatic syndromes of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) occurring with and without arthritis, a swollen hands syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis or myositis were observed in the majority (15 of 21) of the patients studied. These syndromes were distinctive, sometimes dramatic, and appeared to mimic idiopathic rheumatic diseases, substantially delaying an accurate diagnosis of leprosy in some patients. These complications were the major cause of morbidity in these 21 patients and became dominant clinical problems requiring additional chemotherapy.