The diffuse leprosy of Lucio and Latapí, also known as diffuse lepromatous leprosy or "pretty leprosy" is a clinical variety of lepromatous leprosy. It was first described by Lucio and Alvarado in 1852 and re-identified by Latapí in 1936. It is common in Mexico (23% of leprosy cases) and in Costa Rica and very rare in other countries. History
The spotted or lazarine leprosy was first described by Ladislao de la Pascua in 1844. Lucio and Alvarado published a description of the disease with the same names in 1852. Latapí re-described it in 1938 and reported it as spotted leprosy of Lucio in 1948. It was named the diffuse leprosy of Lucio and Latapí in 1963 by Frenken. The underlying pathology was explained by Chévez-Zamora as a diffuse generalised cutaneous infiltration. He named it pure and primitive diffuse lepromatosis, upon which necrotising lesions develop. He proposed the name Fenómeno de Lucio or erythema necrotisans for these lesions. Clinical features
This condition is characterized by:
a diffuse infiltration of all the skin which never transforms into nodule
a complete alopecia of eyebrows and eyelashes and body hair
an anhydrotic and dysesthesic zones of the skin
a peculiar type of lepra reaction named Lucios phenomenon or necrotic erythemaLucios phenomenon consists of well-shaped erythematous spots which later become necrotic with scabs, ulcerations and scars. These lesions are usually located on the lower extremities and may be extensive. They are frequently painful and rarely fatal. Pathology
The main pathological features of this disease are a vasculitis affecting all cutaneous vessels.
In episode 5 of season 5 of Monsters Inside Me, a video game programmer, Cody Fry was infected with the disease. In the BBC drama Call The Midwifes 9th season, a character is diagnosed with the disease after initial confusion regarding whether his symptoms were more indicative of tuberculosis. He contracts it from the droppings of pet pigeons he keeps in his home. References
External links
CDC Disease Info histoplasmosis