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Khadilkar SV, Patil SB, Shetty VP. Neuropathies of leprosy. J Neurol Sci 2020; 420:117288. [PMID: 33360424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathies form an integral part of the symptomatology of leprosy. Neuropathies of leprosy take various forms and shapes. At one end is the cutaneous nerve involvement adjacent to the anaesthetic skin patch and the other is of symmetrical pansensory neuropathy and the devastating sensory ataxia of leprous ganglionits. Lepra reactions add to the spectrum. Hosts immunological status largely decides the clinical manifestations seen in nerves and skin. A wide array of diagnostic techniques like ultrasonography, magnetic resonance neurography, serological markers, molecular tests, skin biopsy and in selected cases, the nerve biopsy with special stains and electron microscopy are obtainable to help the clinical diagnosis. The unsuspecting clinician, lack of community awareness and limited availability of diagnostic tests are important adverse factors in the total outcome. Multi drug therapy is efficacious and corticosteroids reduce the impact of nerve damage in leprosy. The efficacy, dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy are presently inexact and other immune suppressants like azathioprine are being evaluated. Chronic disabilities and residual deficits require attention of multiple specialties. In the coming time, focus on prevention could lead to favourable results. This review will discuss the classification systems, common and uncommon clinical features, diagnostic armamentarium and therapeutic and preventive aspects of neuropathies of leprosy.
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BALESTRINO A, RICCARDI N, FIASCHI P, ANANIA P, MARTINOLI C, GENNARO S. Endoneural abscess of common popliteal nerve as first clinical manifestation of leprosy: the first reported case in history in a low-incidence country. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E148-E151. [PMID: 32802998 PMCID: PMC7419112 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A migrant from Palestine came to our attention for weakness of dorsiflexion of the left foot and hypoesthesia of the homolateral common peroneal nerve territory. Skin biopsies from skin lesions in the hypoesthetic area were not diagnostic. Radiological investigation showed focal nerve enlargement with a possible focal lesion. At this time, and given the uncertainty of the diagnosis, we had to choose between medical therapy with steroid and a surgical exploration of the nerve. We decided for the latter option. Intraoperatively, we found a focal round enlargement of the nerve. Epineurotomy was performed at that level, revealing a round caseous granulomatous mass that was excised. Microbiological examination revealed presence of Mycobacterium Leprae allowing diagnosis of leprosy. Medical therapy was then started, leading to resolution of clinical symptoms. Endoneural lepromatous abscesses are uncommon lesions that should be suspected in patients presenting with peripheral nerve dysfunction with anamnesis of travel in leprosy endemic regions or contacts with people from endemic regions with or even without skin lesions. Detection of endoneural abscesses is of critical importance because prompt surgical excision in conjunction with medical therapy leads to improvement of symptoms and permits correct diagnosis. In times of large human migrations from leprosy endemic areas, knowledge of this uncommon presentation of leprosy and its management will help lead to the best management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. BALESTRINO
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: Alberto Balestrino, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy - Tel.: +39 3405836354 - E-mail:
| | - N. RICCARDI
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
- Stop TB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - P. FIASCHI
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze materno infantili (DINOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - P. ANANIA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - C. MARTINOLI
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze materno infantili (DINOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Radiology, Department of Health Sciences, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - S. GENNARO
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Scienze materno infantili (DINOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Riccardi N, Giacomelli A, Canetti D, Comelli A, Intini E, Gaiera G, Diaw MM, Udwadia Z, Besozzi G, Codecasa L, Biagio AD. Clofazimine: an old drug for never-ending diseases. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:557-566. [PMID: 32476494 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clofazimine (CFZ), an old hydrophobic riminophenazine, has a wide range of antimycobacterial activity ranging from leprosy to nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. CFZ has several advantages such as a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, dose-dependent side effects as well as low price. In this narrative review, we have assessed the clinical development of CFZ, starting from the potential in vitro mechanism of actions, to the spectrum of side effects and potential drug-drug interactions, highlighting its current place in therapy and future possible use in leprosy, nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Riccardi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases & Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy.,StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacomelli
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,III Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Diana Canetti
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Clinic of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Agnese Comelli
- Department of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrica Intini
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,Division of Respiratory Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gaiera
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mama M Diaw
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,Médecin coordonnateur lutte contre la TB, Région médicale de Thiès, Thiès, Sénégal
| | - Zarir Udwadia
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, PD. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Luigi Codecasa
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,Regional TB Reference Centre & Laboratory, Villa Marelli Institute/ASST Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy.,Clinic of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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