Acro-osteolysis prior to diagnosis of leprosy

Abstract

Acro-osteolysis (bone resorption) has been observed in a heterogeneous group of congenital and acquired bone disorders. Leprosy is the main cause of peripheral neuropathy leading to acro-osteolysis in endemic countries. Pure neuritic leprosy, a less common form of the disease, is difficult to diagnose. Two unrelated leprosy patients with acropathy whose disease began as pure neuritic are discussed.