Clinical recognition of leprosy: some factors leading to delays in diagnosis.
The case histories of eight patients in the United Kingdom admitted to hospital for the diagnosis of leprosy are examined in detail. Review of their early symptoms and signs showed that there had been delays in diagnosis, ranging from a few months to many years. Possible reasons for delay are discussed, and attention is called to the importance of nasal symptoms in the early diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004739:England; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D007918:Leprosy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D010488:Polyarteritis Nodosa / Q000175:diagnosis; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors