Title | Lepromatous leprosy masquerading as acute sarcoidosis: a case report and literature review. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2008 |
Authors | Patnaik MM, Hammerschmidt D, van Burik J-AH, Jessurun J, Smyth P |
Journal | Minn Med |
Volume | 91 |
Issue | 11 |
Pagination | 30-3 |
Date Published | 2008 Nov |
ISSN | 0026-556X |
Keywords | Acute Disease, Adult, Biopsy, Diagnosis, Differential, Erythema Nodosum, Humans, Leprosy, Lepromatous, Lymph Nodes, Male, Sarcoidosis, Skin |
Abstract | Leprosy is uncommon in North America. Because it has a prolonged incubation period and can masquerade with a variety of manifestations, many patients with leprosy experience a significant delay in diagnosis and treatment. Lepra reactions are of 2 types: reversal (type 1) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) (type 2). Type 1 or reversal reactions represent an increase in cell-mediated immunity, whereas type 2 or ENL is caused by antigen-antibody complex formation and deposition after antigen release from dying lepra bacilli. This article describes the diagnostic challenges presented by a Minnesota patient eventually found to have lepromatous leprosy. That challenge was compounded by the fact that the clinical scenario closely mimicked connective tissue/immune complex disease and by the fact that the patient presented in a location where the incidence and prevalence of leprosy is extremely low. |
Alternate Journal | Minn Med |
PubMed ID | 19108542 |
Related Faculty:
Jose Jessurun, M.D.