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.
Trindade
Maria Angela Bianconcini
MA
Dermatology Clinic, Clinical Hospital, São Paulo University, Rua Cristiano Viana 450, São Paulo-SP, Brazil. angelatrindade@uol.com.br
Varella
Tatiana Cristina Nogueira
TC
Cisneros
Claudia Gertrudis Cardoza
CG
Bottini
Vanessa
V
Moura
Ana Karina Alves
AK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056006:Leprosy, Multibacillary / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged