Luciofenomeen bij een patiënt met lepra op Aruba

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.

Conflict of interest: R.M.H.G. Huits received remuneration from Abbott, Astra Zeneca, and Pfizer for conference attendance in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Financial support for this article: none declared.