Musculoskeletal involvement in leprosy

Leprosy classically presents with cutaneous and neurological involvement, though musculoskeletal symptoms may be the initial symptom. The study was conducted on 102 patients with leprosy to determine the prevalence and spectrum of rheumatological diseases in this group. Eighty four patients were referred from leprosy clinic and 18 patients presented first in rheumatology clinic with arthritic symptoms and were later diagnosed to have leprosy. In the first group, symmetrical polyarthritis involving the large and small joints, similar to rheumatoid arthritis was the most common manifestation. Whereas in the second group, tenosynovitis was the commonest presentation. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 72 (70%) cases. Variety of musculoskeletal symptoms were found in patients with leprosy and many of them were associated with Lepra reaction.