Acro-osteolysis prior to diagnosis of leprosy

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