ERYTHEMA-NODOSUM - DIAGNOSTIC DIFFICULTIES IN THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Five patients presenting with erythema nodosum to an accident and emer gency department are described. Initially they were misdiagnosed as ce llulitis, infected insect bites, and minor trauma. Suspicious skin les ions or joint manifestations occurring either alone or especially if i n combination should alert the wary clinician to the possibility of er ythema nodosum and follow up in a few days may help to confirm the dia gnosis.