A study of rheumatological manifestations of leprosy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Rheumatic manifestations are a common feature of leprosy. The present study was performed to assess the incidence of rheumatic manifestations in leprosy. METHODS: Seventy cases of leprosy attending the indoor and outdoor departments were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 70 cases studied, rheumatic manifestations were seen in 61.42% of cases: arthritis in 54.28% and soft tissue rheumatism in 17.14%. Enthesitis was seen in 2.84% of cases. The incidence of arthritis in lepra reactions was 57.57%. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal manifestations can occur at any time during the infection. Articular inflammation in leprosy usually occurs in reactive states, particularly erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Leprosy can present with arthritis as the first symptom.