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[Lucio's phenomenon in a patient with leprosy on Aruba]
Ralph M H G Huits1, Linda Oskam, Johannes A van Raalte
1Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospitaal, afd. Interne geneeskunde, Oranjestad, Aruba. ralph.huits@gmail.com
Background:
Lucio's phenomenon is a rare leprosy reaction characterised by bizarrely-shaped, purpuric skin lesions and ulceration. It occurs in diffuse lepromatous leprosy and it is mainly reported in patients from Mexico and the Caribbean.
Case Description:
We describe the case of a 90-year-old Aruban man with recurrent leg ulcers and flexion contractures of the lower extremities. Occurrence of Lucio's phenomenon led to a diagnosis of diffuse lepromatous leprosy. Presence of Mycobacterium leprae was demonstrated in skin, bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Conclusion:
Lucio's phenomenon led to a diagnosis of leprosy. Leprosy is still endemic in Aruba.
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