Azulay-Abulafia L, Spinelli L

Language: Portugués
References: 0
Page: 125-133
PDF size: 853.15 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Lucio and Alvarado, in 1851 in Mexico, described a particular form of lepromatous leprosy, with a diffuse infiltration of the skin and without nodules. Latapi, in 1936, restudied it giving the name of Lucio’s Leprosy. The patients present a shiny skin, with a mixedematoid appearance, being called “lepra bonita”- pretty leprosy (pure and primitive diffuse leprosy). Lucio’s phenomenon occurs in these cases. Multiple painful purpuric patches and hemorrhagic blisters that progress to necrotic and ulcerated lesions, generally on the lower and upper limbs characterize it clinically. Sometimes the lesions exhibit an underlying livedoid pattern. There are no nodules or fever. The therapy for Lucio’s Leprosy is that for multibacillary leprosy, and consists of rifampin, clofazimine and dapsone (multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy – MDT-MB/WHO). For Lucio’s phenomenon, some authors also use the MDT-MB, with resolution of their cases, but others associate thalidomide and systemic corticosteroid. There is an idea that Lucio’s phenomenon is an aggressive event, but the poor prognosis generally depends on the delay or on the misdiagnosis of that condition. In those cases death may occur. Although the majority of the patients with Lucio’s Leprosy and Lucio’s phenomenon are Mexicans, many cases have been described in many other countries, making necessary the study and recognition of those conditions.