ObjectiveTo emphasize the recognition of leprosy with joint symptoms or positive rheumatoid factor (RF).MethodsClinical manifestations ,laboratory results and image information of 3 cases of leprosy misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis were analysed retrospectively , and the related literatures were reviewed.ResultsAmong 3 patients, 2 were male and 1 was female;2 patients showed joint symptoms, 2 were with positive RF, and 3 with increased levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Creactive protein; these patients were all misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis for 3-5 years.ConclusionThe possibility of leprosy should be considered when patients are with joint symptoms or positive RF complicated with skin lesions and peripheral neuropathy.