Sonographic evaluation of leprosy of ulnar nerve

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium Leprae that predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The disease is prevalent in developing countries of Asia and Africa, with occasional cases reported from United States. In this case report we highlight a 33-year-old man from Qatar, who presented with symptoms of progressive weakness in his left wrist and hand for six months and was later found to have a granuloma of the ulnar nerve secondary to leprosy. We will discuss the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, role of imaging, and management of neuropathy due to leprosy. Our case provides an excellent learning example of the utility of ultrasonography to characterize leprosy granulomas of the ulnar nerve.

Keywords

• Leprosy
• Ulnar nerve
• Sonography
• Nodular thickening