Late-onset ulnar neuritis following treatment of lepromatous leprosy infection

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019 Aug 19;13(8):e0007684. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007684. eCollection 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Neuritis is a frequent complication of Myocobacteria leprae infection and treatment due to the variety of mechanisms through which it can occur. Not only can mycobacterial invasion into peripheral nerves directly cause damage and inflammation, but immune-mediated inflammatory episodes (termed leprosy reactions) can also manifest as neuritis at any point during infection. Treatment of leprosy reactions with thalidomide can also lead to neuritis due to an adverse drug effect. Neuritis can emerge years after initial diagnosis and treatment, although it is most frequently found at time of diagnosis or early into the treatment course. Treatment of neuritis is dependent on high-dose corticosteroid therapy as well as therapy for suspected underlying etiology. Here, we present a case of ulnar neuritis presenting in a patient with lepromatous leprosy four years after treatment of initial infection, with subsequent improvement after corticosteroid burst while maintained on thalidomide therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Leprostatic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous / complications*
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / drug therapy
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Leprostatic Agents
  • Thalidomide

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.