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Leprosy: a precipitating factor for complex regional pain syndrome
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India. drrgarg@hotmail.com
Minerva Anestesiologica
|September 8, 2010
Summary
This study presents the first case of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) triggered by leprosy, not trauma. A stellate ganglion block and medication provided complete pain relief for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) typically follows trauma, but atypical presentations occur.
- Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, can cause neurological complications.
- The association between leprosy and CRPS has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with right arm pain and swelling, with no history of trauma.
- The patient was undergoing treatment for leprosy, and X-rays revealed severe osteoporosis.
- Ulnar nerve thickening was noted, suggesting a potential link to leprosy.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with CRPS precipitated by leprosy, a novel association.
- A stellate ganglion block provided complete pain relief.
- Medical therapy including etoricoxib and gabapentin maintained 100% pain relief.
Implications:
- This case highlights leprosy as a potential, previously unreported, cause of CRPS.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, including sympathetic blocks and multimodal therapy, are crucial for managing CRPS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathophysiology linking leprosy and CRPS.
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