Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), which complicate lepromatous (LL) and borderline
lepromatous(BL) leprosy, is inflammatory reaction and allergic vasculitis of
antigen-antibody comp lex. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple painful red nodules
and general symptoms such as fever, chills, nerve swelling and tenderness. As the
precipitating factors, physical and emotional stress, intercurrent infection, surgical
operation and injury, protective immunization, pregnancy and partuition may concern, but
there has been no knowledge about the relationship to the menstruation.
We experienced an interesting case of recurrent ENLs presumably related to the
menstrual cycles in 22 years old female lepromatous leprosy. The her total 9 recurrent
ENLs from June 1980 to July 1981, the later 7 developed 3 to 13 days after ceasation of
menstrual periods.
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