01473nas a2200145   4500000000100000008004100001100001700042700002700059700002200086700002800108700002100136245010200157520105400259022001401313       2015                            d1 aHorta-Baas G1 aHernández-Cabrera M F1 aBarile-Fabris L A1 aDel S Romero-Figueroa M1 aArenas-Guzmán R00aMultibacillary leprosy mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and literature review.3 a<p>Leprosy is an infectious chronic disease with a wide range of clinical and serological manifestations. We report a case of a woman presenting with a malar rash, painless oral ulcers, photosensitivity, arthritis, positive antinuclear antibodies test and leuko-lymphopenia. Our case illustrates an unusual presentation of leprosy initially diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). After the confirmation of multibacillary leprosy and multidrug therapy recommended by the World Health Organization, a good clinical response was observed. Recognition of rheumatic manifestations in leprosy is important as they may be confused with SLE. A literature review is presented to encourage clinicians to consider leprosy as a differential diagnosis. Specifically in patients with unusual rheumatic manifestations and persistent skin lesions, and when neurological symptoms are present. Leprosy has not been eradicated, so misdiagnosis can be frequent. It is necessary to increase medical practitioner awareness in order start proper treatment.</p>
  a1477-0962