Hansen’s chronic polyarthritis in a child

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal manifestations of leprosy are often underdiagnosed and under-reported. Case characteristics: An 11-year old girl with leprosy presented with deforming symmetric polyarthritis with raised inflammatory parameters and erosion on imaging. Observation: The patient was diagnosed to have Hansen’s chronic polyarthritis and treatment started with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and methotrexate. Message: Hansen’s chronic polyarthritis is a rare differential of juvenile chronic arthritis in children.