Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine

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.