Histoid leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum mimicking connective tissue disease

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunological complication of leprosy seen in 50% of lepromatous and 10% of borderline lepromatous leprosy. It usually presents as a multisystem disease with papulo-nodular skin lesions and fever. Arthralgia or arthritis is a common initial presentation of erythema nodosum leprosum. Pure rheumatologic presentation of lepromatous leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum is extremely rare, mimics connective tissue disease and is treated with steroids.

Automated summary

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunological complication seen in 50% of lepromatous and 10% of borderline lepromatous leprosy. It presents as a multisystem disease with papulo-nodular skin lesions and fever. Rarely, a pure rheumatologic presentation of lepromatous leprosy complicated by ENL can mimic connective tissue disease and requires treatment with steroids.