Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health

Background: Acute dermatologic conditions are a concern for acute care practitioners. Comprising 1.4% of presenting complaints to emergency departments, most skin complaints are relatively benign; however, some conditions can be quite severe. Prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: To review drug-induced vasculitis.

Case Report: We present the case of a 43-year-old female with a chief complaint of bruising to her ear, arm, and leg. She was found to have necrotizing vasculitis induced by propylthiouracil.

Conclusion: In this case, we look at the highlights of this presentation and review key aspects of cutaneous vasculitis for the practicing emergency provider.

[WestJEM. 2008;9:212-215.]