Borderline Lepromatous Leprosy Masquerading as Granuloma Annulare: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae. Leprosy is a great imitator with its various atypical, unusual and varying clinical presentations which can be confused with many infectious and non-infectious diseases. Case Report: A 46-year-old female presented to the dermatology department with complaints of painful raised lesions over face, upper back, upper limbs, lower legs and feet for 12 months. Clinically suspected as a case of Granuloma annulare. Punch biopsy was taken which revealed epidermis with dermis showing nodules of histiocytes and lymphocytes with grenz zone at the dermoepidermal junction. Acid fast stain and Fite Faraco stain was performed which revealed the presence of leprae bacilli with bacteriological index of 4+. Conclusion: Detailed historytaking and correlating clinical picture with morphology is required to diagnose atypical presentations of leprosy. Early diagnosis helps to provide appropriate treatment and thus prevent from devastating complications.

Keywords

• lepromatous leprosy
• hansen’s disease
• granulomas
• granuloma annulare