Lucio Phenomenon Mimicking Vasculonecrotic Erythema Nodosum Leprosum: A Case Report
January 2020
in “
International Journal of PharmTech Research
”
lepromatous leprosy Lucio’s phenomenon vasculonecrotic erythema nodosum leprosum hair loss eyelashes eyebrows epidermal necrosis endothelial proliferation acid-fast bacilli multiple drug therapy methylprednisolone neurotrophic vitamins leprosy skin necrosis blood vessel growth bacteria combination drug therapy steroids vitamins
Studysummary This case report describes a patient with untreated lepromatous leprosy developing Lucio's phenomenon, highlighting difficulties in distinguishing it from erythema nodosum leprosum with vasculonecrotic lesions.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 46-year-old man with untreated lepromatous leprosy presented with painless ulcers on his lower limbs and scrotum, surrounded by purpuric patches that became gangrenous and ulcerated over 3 weeks. He also experienced numbness in his hands and feet and hair loss in his eyelashes and eyebrows for 5 years. Bacteriological examination showed a bacterial index of 6+, and histopathology revealed flattened epidermis, lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration, endothelial proliferation, and colonization by acid-fast bacilli. The patient was diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy with Lucio’s phenomenon and treated with multiple drug therapy, methylprednisolone, and neurotrophic vitamins. Lucio’s phenomenon, which can mimic vasculonecrotic erythema nodosum leprosum, is characterized by endothelial cell colonization, epidermal necrosis, and endothelial proliferation.
