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Daniel SJ, Rajan M, Ruba MV, Aravamuthan R. Near fatal case of Lucio leprosy with Lucio phenomenon with pleomorphic features and its successful management from a non-endemic area. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e255477. [PMID: 38955383 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lucio leprosy is a diffuse non-nodular form of lepromatous leprosy. Lucio phenomenon is a type of reactional state which occurs in untreated cases due to the bacillary invasion of endothelial cells. We hereby describe a histopathologically confirmed case of Lucio leprosy with Lucio phenomenon. The patient presented with pleomorphic clinical features and started taking antileprosy treatment and systemic steroids. After few days of admission, she developed deep ulcers exposing the fascia. She also developed cardiogenic shock secondary to septicaemia. She was managed with inotropes and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient was given appropriate wound care and the ulcers healed within a period of 3 months and antileprosy drugs were continued. Our patient is a de novo case of Lucio leprosy with Lucio phenomenon and pleomorphic clinical features who developed near fatal septic shock. She was managed successfully. Despite the extensive disease manifestation, all the wounds healed completely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Jeyaraj Daniel
- Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manipriya Rajan
- Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Merin Vasantha Ruba
- Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramesh Aravamuthan
- Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Serrano-Coll H, Wan EL, Restrepo-Rivera L, Cardona-Castro N. Leprosy reactions: Unraveling immunological mechanisms underlying tissue damage in leprosy patients. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae013. [PMID: 38806255 PMCID: PMC11180982 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious and disabling disease caused by two mycobacteria, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Acute inflammatory responses, known as leprosy reactions, are significant contributors to disabilities. Three types of leprosy reactions have been identified based on excessive cytokine release (e.g. type 1) or the accumulation of immune complexes in tissues inducing multiorgan damage (e.g. types 2 and 3). The type of leprosy reaction has implications on treatment and management strategies, yet are not well understood by health workers caring for leprosy patients. We attempt to describe the immunologic mechanisms behind the different leprosy reactions and the rationale for tailoring clinical treatment and management to the particular type of leprosy reaction based on the underlying immunologic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Serrano-Coll
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical-Universidad CES, Medellín 055450, Colombia
| | - Eric L Wan
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington DC 200072, United States
| | - Lina Restrepo-Rivera
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical-Universidad CES, Medellín 055450, Colombia
| | - Nora Cardona-Castro
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical-Universidad CES, Medellín 055450, Colombia
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Rusia K, Saoji V, Madke B, Singh A. Lucio Phenomenon: An Unusual Case of Skin Necrosis. Case Rep Dermatol 2024; 16:47-54. [PMID: 38406643 PMCID: PMC10890809 DOI: 10.1159/000536370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lucio leprosy is a non-nodular diffuse type of lepromatous leprosy first described by Lucio and Alvarado. Lucio phenomenon is a rare vasculonecrotic reaction characterized by cutaneous necrosis with minimal constitutional features. Case Presentation We describe an unusual case of a 53-year-old man from Central India who had blisters, ulcers, and widespread erosions on his foot, forearms, and arms. The diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy with the Lucio phenomenon was established after thorough evaluation by clinical findings, histopathological findings, and slit-skin smear examination. Conclusion Lucio phenomenon is an uncommon cause of cutaneous infarction and necrosis. Primary care physicians should keep a high index of suspicion in patients with cutaneous necrosis and minimal constitution features. Since leprosy is a relatively curable disease, primary care physicians should think of a rare form of lepromatous leprosy presenting with cutaneous necrosis, especially in non-endemic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveri Rusia
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
| | - Vikrant Saoji
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
| | - Bhushan Madke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
| | - Adarshlata Singh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
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Chen KH, Lin CY, Su SB, Chen KT. Leprosy: A Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Diagnosis, and Management. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:8652062. [PMID: 35832335 PMCID: PMC9273393 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8652062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a neglected infectious disease caused by acid-fast bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin and then progresses to a secondary stage, causing peripheral neuropathy with potential long-term disability along with stigma. Leprosy patients account for a significant proportion of the global disease burden. Previous efforts to improve diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have focused on leprosy in adults, whereas childhood leprosy has been relatively neglected. This review aims to update the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for adult and childhood leprosy. This review summarizes the clinical, bacteriological, and immunological approaches used in the diagnosis of leprosy. As strategies for the diagnosis and management of leprosy continue to develop better and more advanced knowledge, control and prevention of leprosy are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou-Huang Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, China
| | - Cheng-Yao Lin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Senior Welfare and Services, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Bin Su
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kow-Tong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed By Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Maymone MBC, Venkatesh S, Laughter M, Abdat R, Hugh J, Dacso MM, Rao PN, Stryjewska BM, Dunnick CA, Dellavalle RP. Leprosy: Treatment and management of complications. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:17-30. [PMID: 32244016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.10.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the second article in this continuing medical education series, we review the treatment of leprosy, its immunologic reactions, and important concepts, including disease relapse and drug resistance. A fundamental understanding of the treatment options and management of neuropathic sequelae are essential to reduce disease burden and improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra B C Maymone
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado
| | - Samantha Venkatesh
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa Laughter
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado
| | - Rana Abdat
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy Hugh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado
| | - Mara M Dacso
- National Hansen's (Leprosy) Disease Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - P Narasimha Rao
- Special Interest Group on Leprosy, Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists, Delhi, India
| | | | - Cory A Dunnick
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado
| | - Robert P Dellavalle
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado.
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6
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Suvirya S, Pathania S, Malhotra KP, Jain A, Verma P, Kumari P. A case of diffuse lepromatous leprosy with Lucio phenomenon. QJM 2020; 113:138-139. [PMID: 31198950 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Suvirya
- Department of Dermatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S Pathania
- Department of Dermatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - K P Malhotra
- Department of Pathology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow 226010, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - A Jain
- Department of Dermatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - P Verma
- Department of Dermatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - P Kumari
- Department of Dermatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
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7
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Kim JY, Chung KY, Kim WJ, Jung SY. Lucio phenomenon in non-endemic area of Northeast Asia. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 31:e192-e194. [PMID: 27536809 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Y Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - K Y Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - W-J Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Busan St. Mary's Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - S Y Jung
- Department of Dermatology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Herath S, Navinan MR, Liyanage I, Rathnayaka N, Yudhishdran J, Fernando J, Sirimanne G, Kulatunga A. Lucio's phenomenon, an uncommon occurrence among leprosy patients in Sri Lanka. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:672. [PMID: 26566619 PMCID: PMC4643505 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 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. Case presentation A 64 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. Conclusion 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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Janakie Fernando
- Department of Pathology, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Ghosh SK, Ghosh A, Agarwal M. Erythema necroticans exhibiting transepidermal migration of lepra bacilli as a probable source of infection to other family members. Int J Dermatol 2015; 55:e42-5. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, & Leprosy; R. G. Kar Medical College; Kolkata India
| | - Arghyaprasun Ghosh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, & Leprosy; R. G. Kar Medical College; Kolkata India
| | - Megha Agarwal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, & Leprosy; R. G. Kar Medical College; Kolkata India
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Insight into the evolution and origin of leprosy bacilli from the genome sequence of Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:4459-64. [PMID: 25831531 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421504112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium lepromatosis is an uncultured human pathogen associated with diffuse lepromatous leprosy and a reactional state known as Lucio's phenomenon. By using deep sequencing with and without DNA enrichment, we obtained the near-complete genome sequence of M. lepromatosis present in a skin biopsy from a Mexican patient, and compared it with that of Mycobacterium leprae, which has undergone extensive reductive evolution. The genomes display extensive synteny and are similar in size (∼3.27 Mb). Protein-coding genes share 93% nucleotide sequence identity, whereas pseudogenes are only 82% identical. The events that led to pseudogenization of 50% of the genome likely occurred before divergence from their most recent common ancestor (MRCA), and both M. lepromatosis and M. leprae have since accumulated new pseudogenes or acquired specific deletions. Functional comparisons suggest that M. lepromatosis has lost several enzymes required for amino acid synthesis whereas M. leprae has a defective heme pathway. M. lepromatosis has retained all functions required to infect the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system and therefore may also be neuropathogenic. A phylogeographic survey of 227 leprosy biopsies by differential PCR revealed that 221 contained M. leprae whereas only six, all from Mexico, harbored M. lepromatosis. Phylogenetic comparisons indicate that M. lepromatosis is closer than M. leprae to the MRCA, and a Bayesian dating analysis suggests that they diverged from their MRCA approximately 13.9 Mya. Thus, despite their ancient separation, the two leprosy bacilli are remarkably conserved and still cause similar pathologic conditions.
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11
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Jurado F, Rodriguez O, Novales J, Navarrete G, Rodriguez M. Lucio’s leprosy: A clinical and therapeutic challenge. Clin Dermatol 2015; 33:66-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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Relapsing Painful Multiple Ulcerative Skin Eruptions. Am J Dermatopathol 2014. [DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e318288cc99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Sehgal VN, Riyaz N, Chatterjee K, Venkatash P, Sharma S. Sarcoidosis as a systemic disease. Clin Dermatol 2014; 32:351-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Fava V, Orlova M, Cobat A, Alcaïs A, Mira M, Schurr E. Genetics of leprosy reactions: an overview. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107 Suppl 1:132-42. [PMID: 23283464 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000900020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Type-1 (T1R) and Type-2 (T2R) leprosy reactions (LR), which affect up to 50% of leprosy patients, are aggressive inflammatory episodes of sudden onset and highly variable incidence across populations. LR are often diagnosed concurrently with leprosy, but more frequently occur several months after treatment onset. It is not uncommon for leprosy patients to develop recurring reactional episodes; however, they rarely undergo both types of LR. Today, LR are the main cause of permanent disabilities associated with leprosy and represent a major challenge in the clinical management of leprosy patients. Although progress has been made in understanding the immunopathology of LR, the factors that cause a leprosy patient to suffer from LR are largely unknown. Given the impact that ethnic background has on the risk of developing LR, host genetic factors have long been suspected of contributing to LR. Indeed, polymorphisms in seven genes [Toll-like receptors (TLR)1, TLR2, nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain containing 2, vitamin D receptor, natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1, C4B and interleukin-6] have been found to be associated with one or more LR outcomes. The identification of host genetic markers with predictive value for LR would have a major impact on nerve damage control in leprosy. In this review, we present the recent advances achieved through genetic studies of LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Fava
- McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ranugha P, Chandrashekar L, Kumari R, Thappa DM, Badhe B. Is it Lucio Phenomenon or Necrotic Erythema Nodosum Leprosum? Indian J Dermatol 2013; 58:160. [PMID: 23716834 PMCID: PMC3657244 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5154.108087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Lucio phenomenon (LP) or erythema necroticans is a relatively rare, peculiar reaction pattern occurring in untreated lepromatous (LL) or borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy cases. A 38-year-old male, a cook by occupation, was referred to the dermatology clinic from otolaryngology department with blistering over both the hands and feet of 2 days duration. He had been admitted 1 week back with epistaxis and nasopharyngeal myiasis in otolaryngology department. He was started on systemic antibiotics gentamycin, crystalline penicillin, and metronidazole with nasal instillation of turpentine oil 2 drops 6 times a day. Two days later, he had developed edema with painless hemorrhagic blistering over the dorsum of left hand followed by involvement of the right hand, dorsa of both feet, and both the earlobes within a day. Histopathology of the blister showed sub-epidermal blister, with necrotizing leukocytoclastic vasculitis of papillary dermal vessels with thrombosis, numerous acid-fast bacilli in macrophages, and macrophage granulomas extending up to subcutis. In view of the absent fever or constitutional symptoms, and the classical angular infarcts and hemorrhagic blisters evolving into ulcers with angulated margins, we considered LP as the most likely diagnosis. The patient was started on a combination of WHO recommended multibacillary anti-leprosy therapy and prednisolone (40 mg/day).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pss Ranugha
- Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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16
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Piris A, Lobo AZC, Moschella SL. Global dermatopathology: Hansen's disease--current concepts and challenges. J Cutan Pathol 2010; 37 Suppl 1:125-36. [PMID: 20482684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2010.01522.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Piris
- Dermatopathologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Concomitant lucio phenomenon and erythema nodosum in a leprosy patient: clues for their distinct pathogeneses. Am J Dermatopathol 2009; 31:288-92. [PMID: 19384072 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e318193c74c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lepromatous leprosy patients may develop necrotic lesions, usually in the context of Lucio phenomenon (LP) or severe erythema nodosum (EN). The clinical and histopathological characteristics of the necrotic manifestations of both entities may eventually be confounded. We describe a patient with lepromatous leprosy who developed, since the 4th month of her first pregnancy, recurrent necrotic lesions in lower limbs, which, at the postpartum, worsened and led to partial destruction of ears and nose. In addition, she referred painful nodes on upper limbs since 1 year before pregnancy and intermittent swelling and tenderness of the ankles, which together with a right tibial and ulnar neuritis led to the diagnosis of, erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). The histopathology of a biopsy of the upper limb (ENL) revealed a dermal-hypodermal inflammation with vasculitis and vascular lumen narrowing, whereas biopsy of the lower limb (LP) revealed small vessels with fibrin thrombi on the superficial layer of the dermis without inflammatory infiltrate and no evidence of vasculitis. Thus, besides having several different clinical features, LP and ENL result from different pathogenetic mechanisms. The histopathological and clinical features distinguishing both entities are proposed. This distinction is important because decrease in bacillary load through multidrug therapy is the main target in LP, whereas in ENL, concomitant reduction of the reaction by means of thalidomide or high-dose steroids is recommended.
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18
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Lucio's phenomenon is a necrotizing panvasculitis: mostly a medium-sized granulomatous arteritis. Am J Dermatopathol 2009; 30:555-60. [PMID: 19033928 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0b013e318181270a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lucio's phenomenon (LPh) is a vasculitis clinically described in 1852 and microscopically documented in 1948 in patients with diffuse lepromatous leprosy; however, at present, there is no a clear concept about the pathogenesis of the necrosis, or about the type, size, and site of the damaged vessel. The objective of this study was to elucidate the type, size, site, and form of vessel damage in LPh in a retrospective, clinical, and histopathological study. Clinical information was obtained from the charts and records and/or from the histopathology request. Slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Fite-Faraco were retrieved from our files. Direct immunofluorescence had been performed in 6 cases. Twelve cases fulfilled clinical evidence to make unequivocal diagnosis of diffuse lepromatous leprosy with LPh. All of them had necrotic, irregular, purpuric, and/or ulcerative lesions, which under the microscope showed medium-sized arteries, with their walls involved by clusters of macrophages containing large amounts of bacilli, distortion of the structure of the vessel wall, narrowing, and obliteration of their lumen. Smaller vessels showed changes of the leukocytoclastic type. LPh is a distinctive type of granulomatous and necrotizing panvasculitis; the involved vessels are mostly medium-sized arteries, located deeply in the skin, at the base, and within the hypodermis, but any other vessel is likewise involved, their occlusion leads to ischemic necrosis of the whole skin, frequently with detachment of the epidermis. These changes explain clearly and logically the clinical features observed more than 150 years ago.
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Necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis in multibacillary leprosy disease (Lucio's phenomenon). J Clin Rheumatol 2008; 14:57-9. [PMID: 18431106 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0b013e318163bd9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
Cutaneous pseudovasculitis represents a heterogeneous collection of disorders that are capable of simulating cutaneous vasculitis and can be broadly classified into diseases that produce hemorrhage (petechiae, purpura, and ecchymoses) or vessel occlusion with resultant livedo, cyanosis, ulcers, digital necrosis, and/or gangrene. Overlap is not uncommon, but if present, one mechanism dominates. Hemorrhagic pseudovasculitis is due to vessel wall dysfunction (incompetence), which can be related to diverse factors that include vessel wall deposition of metabolic substances (amyloid, calcium), nutritional deficiencies (scurvy), nonvasculitic inflammatory purpura (pigmented purpuric dermatitis, arthropod, viral and drug reactions), degeneration of the vessel wall and supporting stroma (senile/solar purpura), direct vessel wall invasion of infective organisms, coagulation-fibrinolytic disorders (eg, thrombocytopenia), and vessel wall trauma. Cyanotic-infarctive pseudovasculitis is due vaso-occlusion by emboli, thrombi, or fibrointimal hyperplasia (endarteritis obliterans) and includes varied conditions such as purpura fulminans, Coumadin necrosis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, cardiac myxoma, cholesterol embolization, calciphylaxis, and radiation arteritis. Delayed and inappropriate diagnosis of pseudovasculitis leads to incorrect management and exposure to potentially deleterious treatment modalities such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents. The diagnosis of a pseudovasculitic disorder requires a high index of suspicion and should always be part of the differential diagnosis of vasculitis. Skin biopsy is a crucial step in differentiating pseudovasculitis from authentic vasculitis; absence of histologic evidence of vasculitis, particularly after multiple biopsies, should direct evaluation and diagnosis towards pseudovasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Andrew Carlson
- Division of Dermatology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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