Title |
Lucio’s phenomenon, an uncommon occurrence among leprosy patients in Sri Lanka
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Published in |
BMC Research Notes, November 2015
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DOI | 10.1186/s13104-015-1671-1 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Sandamalee Herath, Mitrakrishnan Rayno Navinan, Isurujith Liyanage, Nadeesha Rathnayaka, Jevon Yudhishdran, Janakie Fernando, Ganga Sirimanne, Aruna Kulatunga |
Abstract |
Lucio's phenomenon is a rare manifestation of untreated leprosy which is seen almost exclusively in regions surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Its occurrence elsewhere though documented is considered uncommon. We present a case of Lucio's phenomenon in a previously undiagnosed leprosy patient who presented to us with its classical skin manifestations. A 64 year old South Asian (Sri Lankan) male with a history of chronic obstructive airway disease presented to us with fever and cough. He had a generalized smooth and shiny skin with ulcerating skin lesions afflicting the digits of the fingers. The lesions progressed to involve the extremities of the body and healed with crusting. Based on the clinical and investigational findings Tuberculosis and common vasculitic conditions were suspected and excluded. The unusual skin manifestations prompted a biopsy, and wade fite stained revealed Mycobacterium bacilli. In context of the clinical picture and histological findings, Lucio's phenomenon was suspected. A clinical diagnosis of Lucio's phenomenon occurring in the backdrop of lepromatous leprosy was made. Though leprosy is still a prevalent disease, it has manifestations that are not easily recognized or fully appreciated. Regional patterns of atypical manifestations should not limit better understanding of rarer manifestations as it will aid in clinching an early diagnosis and instituting prompt treatment, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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United States | 1 | 17% |
Switzerland | 1 | 17% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 17% |
Netherlands | 1 | 17% |
Unknown | 2 | 33% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
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Members of the public | 5 | 83% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 1 | 17% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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Unknown | 53 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
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Student > Bachelor | 13 | 25% |
Student > Master | 6 | 11% |
Student > Postgraduate | 4 | 8% |
Researcher | 4 | 8% |
Other | 3 | 6% |
Other | 9 | 17% |
Unknown | 14 | 26% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
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Medicine and Dentistry | 25 | 47% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 7 | 13% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 2 | 4% |
Unspecified | 1 | 2% |
Computer Science | 1 | 2% |
Other | 1 | 2% |
Unknown | 16 | 30% |