The rheumatic manifestations of leprosy.
We investigated the rheumatic and laboratory features in 25 patients with Hansen's disease. Sixteen (64%) developed a broad range of rheumatic manifestations, the most common being a distinctive syndrome of swollen hands observed in 10 patients (66.5%). These manifestations were more frequent in patients with lepromatous leprosy. There was no correlation between articular clinical findings and X-ray or laboratory abnormalities. A careful clinical history and the recognition of rheumatic features will help to differentiate patients with leprosy and rheumatic manifestations from those with a primary rheumatic disease.
Paira
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Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital José M. Cullen, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Roverano
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology