Multiple peroneal nerve abscesses: The first presentation of borderline tuberculoid leprosy

Abstract

A 53-year-old male presented with multiple swellings over the left leg associated with sensory loss and weak dorsiflexion of the left foot for 4 months. Neurophysiological studies revealed absent sensory and motor action potentials in the left common peroneal nerve. Multiple hypoechoic areas were seen in the subcutaneous plane on ultrasound and were found to be nerve abscesses along the peroneal neurovascular bundle on magnetic resonance imaging of the left leg. Skin biopsy was suggestive of borderline tuberculoid leprosy. He was started on corticosteroids and paucibacillary multidrug therapy. The swelling subsided over the next 1 month, and the motor paralysis improved gradually with treatment.

Keywords

• Leprosy
• nerve thickening
• subcutaneous nodules