Perforating ENL: A variant of type 2 lepra reaction.

Abstract

Lepra reactions are acute episodic inflammatory reactions that occur during illness due to abrupt changes in the body's immunological response against Mycobacterium leprae. These are of two types, type 1 and type 2. Type 2 reaction is also called Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL). The common skin lesion in ENL is a red, tender, raised lesion. Subcutaneous nodules can also appear. The skin lesions may present as vesicles, pustules, or bulla. They can also develop ulcers and become necrotic. Some patients may experience skin lesions that resemble those seen in erythema multiforme. A rare desquamative rash may occur, which needs to be differentiated from a drug-related rash. Healing lesions may leave scars that may become inflamed during ENL flare-ups. In rare instances, there may be no skin lesions suggesting ENL. Reactive perforating type of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a rare type 2 lepra reaction occurrence, observed in lepromatous leprosy and borderline lepromatous cases. It is linked with the involvement of several organs, so if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, it can result in complications and a grim prognosis.