Leprosy is clinically characterized by involvement of peripheral nerves and skin. The
immunological profile of the individual defines the diversity of clinical
manifestations, from skin disorders to systemic manifestations, especially the
articulation ones, common in multibacillary forms, which may mimic collagen diseases
and often posing diagnostic difficulties in endemic areas. This is a case report of
asymmetric polyarthritis of small and large articulations associated with skin
lesions which had been treated by a rheumatologist for 2 years with initial clinical
diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and later, with the appearance of skin lesions, of
systemic lupus erythematosus.
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