Case Report: Necrotizing Erythema Nodosum as a Manifestation of Lepromatous Leprosy Relapse 50 Years after the Initial Infection

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis that pref-erentially compromises peripheral nerve, skin, and mucous membranes. Colombia achieved the goal of leprosy elimina-tion in 1997. However, in Urab ⠁a (Colombia), there has been an increase in leprosy cases beginning in 2020. This case report shows a leprosy relapse 5 decades after the initial infection debuted as a necrotizing erythema nodosum lepro-sum. Therefore, long-term follow-up of patients with risk factors for relapse is emphasized, especially those treated before the standard of multidrug therapy (dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampin). This case report stresses the importance the importance of clinical follow-up and surveillance of patients with these events of interest for the public health.

Automated summary

This case report presents a case of leprosy relapse, where the patient experienced an initial infection and developed necrotizing erythema nodosum leprosum. It highlights the importance of long-term follow-up for patients with risk factors for relapse, especially those treated prior to the standard multidrug therapy. The report stresses the significance of clinical follow-up and surveillance for public health.