Yang Shelley, Makredes Maryanne, O'Donnell Patrick, Levin Nikki A
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr 15;19(4):7.
Hansen Disease (leprosy) is an infectious disease that targets macrophages and Schwann cells, caused by the acid fast intracellular organism, Mycobacterium leprae. Clinically, it presents with a spectrum of findings that may include hypopigmented macules, erythematous plaques and nodules, and thickened or tender peripheral nerves. The most feared complication is mutilating damage to facial structures or digits resulting from loss of sensation in affected skin. In non-endemic areas, the diagnosis of leprosy is frequently delayed because it may mimic other more common skin conditions. We present a case of borderline/lepromatous leprosy in an otherwise healthy young Brazilian man that was initially diagnosed as tinea versicolor, but did not respond to appropriate treatment. This case highlights the importance of having a high index of suspicion for leprosy in patients from endemic areas who present with lesions that could be consistent with this disease.
麻风病是一种由抗酸细胞内微生物麻风分枝杆菌引起的、以巨噬细胞和施万细胞为靶标的传染病。临床上，其表现多样，可能包括色素减退斑、红斑性斑块和结节，以及增厚或压痛的周围神经。最可怕的并发症是受累皮肤感觉丧失导致面部结构或手指致残性损伤。在非流行地区，麻风病的诊断常常延迟，因为它可能类似于其他更常见的皮肤病。我们报告一例边缘型/瘤型麻风病病例，患者为一名原本健康的年轻巴西男子，最初被诊断为花斑癣，但对适当治疗无反应。该病例强调了对于来自流行地区且出现可能与该病相符病变的患者，高度怀疑麻风病的重要性。
