Systemic lupus erythematosus mimicking leprosy: A challenge to early diagnosis

We describe a case of a male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. A patient who was initially diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy, an infectious disease, with clinical symptoms for two years. However, after hospitalization and investigation, his diagnosis was revoked and replaced with SLE. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of knowing the most important and significant clinical changes in SLE and thus allowing an accurate diagnosis, preventing disease progression with target organ involvement, and allowing better clinical management.