Leprosy suspect presenting at a chest clinic. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torun, Serife; Karaman, Irem
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 51:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Leprosy -- Mycobacterium leprae -- pulmonology -- chest diseases; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/00494755211019603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

Leprosy is an ancient ailment, also known as Hansen's disease. It primarily involves the superficial peripheral nerves, skin, upper respiratory tract mucosa, eyes, bones and testicles, but not the lungs. Although leprosy patients are not included in the study area of pulmonology, here we present an undiagnosed leprosy patient with a history of smoking, who was referred owing to upper respiratory tract symptoms and bilateral pleural effusions. From this undiagnosed case, we would like to draw specific attention of pulmonologists, since a patient with leprosy can present in this way due to hypoalbuminemia resulting from a systemic inflammatory state, which may then progress to sepsis. Collaboration of different specialists may be required to clinch extra-neurological and extra-cutaneous features of leprosy.