Case report: Injected corticosteroids for treating leprosy isolated neuritis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Radiology

Background:

• Peripheral nerve impairment is a key manifestation of leprosy, potentially leading to deformities and disabilities.
• Leprosy neuropathy, characterized by neuritis, can occur at any stage of the disease and may result in irreversible nerve damage if untreated.
• Standard treatment for neuritis involves oral corticosteroids, but contraindications or focal involvement necessitate alternative approaches.

Observation:

• This study presents two case reports on managing leprosy-induced neuritis.
• The cases highlight the use of novel techniques for individualized patient treatment and follow-up.
• Ultrasound-guided perineural corticosteroid injections were employed for focal neural inflammation.

Findings:

• Nerve conduction studies and neuromuscular ultrasound were utilized to monitor treatment response.
• The combination of imaging and electrophysiological studies allowed for precise monitoring of neural inflammation.
• This approach facilitated a more personalized treatment strategy for neuritis secondary to leprosy.

Implications:

• Ultrasound-guided perineural corticosteroid injections represent a viable alternative for leprosy neuritis management.
• This technique offers a more individualized and potentially more effective treatment option for specific patient profiles.
• The study suggests new perspectives for managing neurological complications in leprosy patients.