Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (Aug 2023)

Female with Atraumatic Abdominal Bruising

  • Zachary S. Pacheco,
  • Grace Johnson,
  • Erin F. Shufflebarger

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.1247
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 3

Abstract

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Case presentation: We describe the case of a 38-year-old female patient with a history of lupus presenting with atraumatic abdominal pain and ecchymosis. The ultimate diagnosis of abdominal lupus erythematous panniculitis was determined based on physical exam and imaging findings. Discussion: Lupus erythematous panniculitis is a rare diagnosis, but consideration is important as early recognition and treatment is important to reduce pain and lessen the possibility of irreversible disfigurement and unnecessary costs to affected patients.