Leprosy diagnostic criteria: Difference between revisions
Joao Silva (talk | contribs) |
Joao Silva (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
# Confirmed [[loss of sensation]] of a [[Hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]] or [[erythematous]] [[skin patch]]. | # Confirmed [[loss of sensation]] of a [[Hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]] or [[erythematous]] [[skin patch]]. | ||
# A thickened [[peripheral nerve]], with concomitant [[loss of sensation]] and/or [[weakness]] of the [[muscles]] it stimulates. | # A thickened [[peripheral nerve]], with concomitant [[loss of sensation]] and/or [[weakness]] of the [[muscles]] it stimulates. | ||
# Confirmation of [[acid-fast bacilli]] in the [[skin | # Confirmation of [[acid-fast bacilli]] in the [[skin]] smear, although most people with leprosy will have a negative smear. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:44, 5 July 2014
|
Leprosy Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Leprosy diagnostic criteria On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Leprosy diagnostic criteria |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Leprosy diagnostic criteria |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Diagnostic Criteria
Attending to the historic and social impact of leprosy in the population, a careful assessment of the clinical status of the patient should be made, before advancing the definitive diagnosis of leprosy. Even when suspected in the differential diagnosis, a reasonable degree of certainty is required, before communicating this to the patient.
For the diagnosis of leprosy, at least one of the following signs should be present:
- Confirmed loss of sensation of a hypopigmented or erythematous skin patch.
- A thickened peripheral nerve, with concomitant loss of sensation and/or weakness of the muscles it stimulates.
- Confirmation of acid-fast bacilli in the skin smear, although most people with leprosy will have a negative smear.