Persistent Leprosy Reaction 8 Years After the End of Therapy: Challenges for Doctors and Patients

  • Mariana Franco Ferraz Santino Interna de Dermatologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0989-611X
  • Tullia Cuzzi Professora Associada do Departamento de Patologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
  • Fernanda Saloum de Neves Manta Pesquisadora do Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Hanseníase na Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
  • Maria Leide W. Oliveira Professora no Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Keywords: Leprosy/complications, Leprosy/therapy, Panniculitis

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to infection with Mycobacterium leprae, type 1 and 2 reactions represent acute inflammatory events in the chronic course of multibacillary leprosy, which may persist for long periods.

Case Report: A young woman presenting borderline lepromatous leprosy and persistent type 2 reaction with difficult clinical conduction.

Discussion: The case illustrates the diagnostic challenge in leprosy with a systemic inflammatory response, more expressive than the dermato – neurological features. The clinical, histopathological and therapeutic implications, as well as risk factors for reaction and also polymerase chain reaction 8 years after being discharged from treatment of multidrug therapy are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Tullia Cuzzi, Professora Associada do Departamento de Patologia da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Professora no departamento de patologia

Fernanda Saloum de Neves Manta, Pesquisadora do Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Hanseníase na Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Laboratório de Hanseníase

Maria Leide W. Oliveira, Professora no Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF) da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Professora no serviço de dermatologia

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Published
2020-01-11
How to Cite
Franco Ferraz Santino, M., Cuzzi, T., Manta, F. S. de N., & Oliveira, M. L. W. (2020). Persistent Leprosy Reaction 8 Years After the End of Therapy: Challenges for Doctors and Patients. Journal of the Portuguese Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 77(4), 357-362. https://doi.org/10.29021/spdv.77.4.1097
Section
Case Reports