Synovial swellings over wrist in leprosy

Abstract

Soft cystic swellings are noticed in leprosy patients during the course of disease and are seen all through the spectrum. The commonest site for these is the dorsum of wrist. At times these are seen over the dorsum and the lateral aspects of ankle as well. These contain straw colored sticky but clear fluid. On exploration these appear to arise from the synovial covering of the extensor tendons of wrist and fingers and have no communication with the wrist joint. Histology of the synovium suggests these swellings to be of inflammatory nature.