Chronic erythema nodosum leprosum in Hansen's disease: a challenging clinical management

Chronic erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a challenging complication of Hansen's disease (HD), with limited treatment options and frequent steroid dependence. Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents are promising alternatives, though evidence remains confined to a few reports.

We report the case of a 34-year-old Moroccan man with multibacillary Hansen's disease, who developed chronic ENL with recurrent systemic and cutaneous flares, requiring prolonged immunomodulatory therapy. Corticosteroids, thalidomide, azathioprine, methotrexate, and anti-TNF-α therapy only provided incomplete control. After six years of recurrences requiring several hospitalizations, treatment with methylprednisolone, high-dose thalidomide, and clofazimine achieved a sustained remission, allowing gradual treatment discontinuation.