Leprous neuropathy: An American perspective

Although its overall prevalence is decreasing, leprosy continues to be a ma jor cause of neuropathy worldwide. In the United States, it is a relatively rare condition. As a result, physicians may lack familiarity with the dise ase, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Leprous neuropathy is charact erized by involvement of dermal nerves and superficial peripheral nerve tru nks in cooler body regions. A continuing pattern of immigration from endemi c areas may allow practicing neurologists in any region of the country to b ecome involved in the care of patients with leprosy. The diagnosis should b e considered in patients from endemic regions presenting with peripheral ne uropathy with or without skin lesions. Readily available diagnostic testing , access to subspecialists, and modern transportation and information syste ms through the satellite clinics of the Hansen's Disease Center serve as ma jor advantages for the management of leprosy patients in the United States.