02189nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001100001300042700001500055700001500070700001700085700001800102700001500120700001600135700001600151245008400167856005000251300000800301490000600309520164200315022001401957       2015                            d1 aHerath S1 aNavinan MR1 aLiyanage I1 aRathnayaka N1 aYudhishdran J1 aFernando J1 aSirimanne G1 aKulatunga A00aLucio's phenomenon, an uncommon occurrence among leprosy patients in Sri Lanka.  uhttp://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/8/672   a6720 v83 a<p><strong>Editor's abstract: </strong></p>

<p>BACKGROUND:<strong> </strong>Lucio's phenomenon is a rare manifestation of untreated leprosy which is seen almost exclusively in regions surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Its occurrence elsewhere though documented is considered uncommon. We present a case of Lucio's phenomenon in a previously undiagnosed leprosy patient who presented to us with its classical skin manifestations.</p>

<p>CASE PRESENTATION:<strong> </strong>A 64&nbsp;year old South Asian (Sri Lankan) male with a history of chronic obstructive airway disease presented to us with fever and cough. He had a generalized smooth and shiny skin with ulcerating skin lesions afflicting the digits of the fingers. The lesions progressed to involve the extremities of the body and healed with crusting. Based on the clinical and investigational findings Tuberculosis and common vasculitic conditions were suspected and excluded. The unusual skin manifestations prompted a biopsy, and wade fite stained revealed Mycobacterium bacilli. In context of the clinical picture and histological findings, Lucio's phenomenon was suspected. A clinical diagnosis of Lucio's phenomenon occurring in the backdrop of lepromatous leprosy was made.</p>

<p>CONCLUSION:<strong> </strong>Though leprosy is still a prevalent disease, it has manifestations that are not easily recognized or fully appreciated. Regional patterns of atypical manifestations should not limit better understanding of rarer manifestations as it will aid in clinching an early diagnosis and instituting prompt treatment, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.</p>
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