BACKGROUND: Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a disease rarely encountered in Canada. It is characterized by multiple remissions and recurrences, often requires long-term treatment, and can result in debilitating sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To promote rapid recognition and adequate therapy for ENL. METHODS: Case report of a 39-year-old man diagnosed with an ENL. The clinical and histopathologic features, treatment provided, and response to treatment are detailed in this article. RESULTS: ENL presented itself as painful cutaneous lesions on the face and limbs, bilateral paresthesia of the fourth and fifth fingers, and systemic symptoms. Prednisone 40 mg daily for a week and then 60 mg daily for another week reduced the lesions by 80% and the pain by 50%. Although prednisone 60 mg daily was continued for one more week and then stopped, thalidomide was started at a dose of 300 mg daily for 4 weeks and then reduced gradually, which led to complete resolution. CONCLUSION: At the 7(1/2)-month follow-up, the patient remained completely asymptomatic.
BACKGROUND:Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a disease rarely encountered in Canada. It is characterized by multiple remissions and recurrences, often requires long-term treatment, and can result in debilitating sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To promote rapid recognition and adequate therapy for ENL. METHODS: Case report of a 39-year-old man diagnosed with an ENL. The clinical and histopathologic features, treatment provided, and response to treatment are detailed in this article. RESULTS: ENL presented itself as painful cutaneous lesions on the face and limbs, bilateral paresthesia of the fourth and fifth fingers, and systemic symptoms. Prednisone 40 mg daily for a week and then 60 mg daily for another week reduced the lesions by 80% and the pain by 50%. Although prednisone 60 mg daily was continued for one more week and then stopped, thalidomide was started at a dose of 300 mg daily for 4 weeks and then reduced gradually, which led to complete resolution. CONCLUSION: At the 7(1/2)-month follow-up, the patient remained completely asymptomatic.