Sweet Syndrome Can Be Clue of Leprosy : A Case Report

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is an uncommon disease nowadays. Sometimes, type 2 lepra reaction or erythema nodosum leprosum is the first manifestation before diagnosis of leprosy. Type 2 lepra reaction represents as immune complex mediated disease causing inflammation in all tissue. Common manifestations include erythematous painful ulcer-prone nodules and neuritis which can cause permanent disability if delay diagnosis.  Herein, we report a case of leprosy with type 2 reaction which resemble Sweet syndrome. Sweet syndrome is frequently triggered by bacterial infection. Leprosy is an uncommon cause of Sweet syndrome, so it may be overlooked and delayed treatment.

Leprosy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Sweet syndrome. Early diagnosis reduces disease spreading and permanent disability.