Delayed diagnosis of multibacillary leprosy: a report of eight cases.
Leprosy is an important public health problem in Brazil. However, this disease is still poorly diagnosed in its early stages, leading to permanent disability and disfigurement. We examined eight patients with clinical and histological diagnosis of multibacillary leprosy who were being treated for other diseases for about three years without clinical hypothesis of leprosy. These cases illustrate the importance of medical education and public information about leprosy's signs and symptoms for prompt recognition and treatment, which are necessary to prevent permanent disabilities and eradicate the disease.
Dermatology Clinic, Clinical Hospital, São Paulo University, Rua Cristiano Viana 450, São Paulo-SP, Brazil. angelatrindade@uol.com.br
Maria Angela Bianconcini
MA
Trindade
Tatiana Cristina Nogueira
TC
Varella
Claudia Gertrudis Cardoza
CG
Cisneros
Vanessa
V
Bottini
Ana Karina Alves
AK
Moura
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056006:Leprosy, Multibacillary / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged