Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is known to primarily affect the skin and peripheral nerves. We present a rare case of leprosy initially manifesting as demyelinating polyneuropathy. A 46-year-old female presented with progressive weakness, tingling, and numbness in her extremities. Nerve conduction studies revealed evidence of demyelination, prompting further investigations. Skin slit-skin smears confirmed the diagnosis of leprosy, with the presence of acid-fast bacilli. The patient was subsequently started on multidrug therapy, leading to significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering leprosy as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with demyelinating polyneuropathy, especially in endemic regions.
BT - International journal of mycobacteriology C1 -https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38916395
DA - 04/2024 DO - 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_39_24 IS - 2 J2 - Int J Mycobacteriol LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is known to primarily affect the skin and peripheral nerves. We present a rare case of leprosy initially manifesting as demyelinating polyneuropathy. A 46-year-old female presented with progressive weakness, tingling, and numbness in her extremities. Nerve conduction studies revealed evidence of demyelination, prompting further investigations. Skin slit-skin smears confirmed the diagnosis of leprosy, with the presence of acid-fast bacilli. The patient was subsequently started on multidrug therapy, leading to significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering leprosy as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with demyelinating polyneuropathy, especially in endemic regions.
PY - 2024 SP - 218 EP - 220 T2 - International journal of mycobacteriology TI - Leprosy Presenting as Distal Acquired Demyelinating Symmetric Variant of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: An Atypical Manifestation of Hansan's Disease. UR - https://journals.lww.com/ijmy/fulltext/2024/13020/leprosy_presenting_as_distal_acquired.16.aspx?context=latestarticles VL - 13 SN - 2212-554X ER -