Erythema Nodosum Leprosum Reaction Masquerading as Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cureus. 2024 Mar 31;16(3):e57312. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57312. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

Erythema nodosum leprosum is a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction that often presents with transient eruptions of red papules, plaques, and nodules. A 52-year-old female presented with multiple joint pain that was being treated as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but through clinical examination, she was found to have Hansen's disease with a type 2 reaction. Hence, the importance of a thorough clinical examination is a must for the timely and correct diagnosis of patients suffering from Hansen's disease.

Keywords: arthritis; erythema nodosum leprosum; leprosy; mycobacterium leprae; neglected tropical diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports