1. Distinguishing Cellulitis from Its Noninfectious Mimics: Approach to the Red Leg.
- Author
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Garcia BM, Cruz-Diaz C, Agnihothri R, and Shinkai K
- Subjects
- Algorithms, Cellulitis economics, Diagnosis, Differential, Diagnostic Errors, Erythema diagnosis, Humans, Leg pathology, Referral and Consultation, Skin Temperature, Soft Tissue Infections diagnosis, United States, Cellulitis diagnosis, Skin Diseases diagnosis
- Abstract
Cellulitis is a common clinical diagnosis in the outpatient and inpatient setting; studies have demonstrated a surprisingly high misdiagnosis rate: nearly one-third of cases are other conditions (ie, pseudocellulitis). This high rate of misdiagnosis is thought to contribute to nearly $515 million in avoidable health care spending in the United States each year; leading to the delayed or missed diagnosis of pseudocellulitis and to delays in appropriate treatment. There is a broad differential diagnosis for pseudocellulitis, which includes inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions of the skin. Accurate diagnosis of the specific condition causing pseudocellulitis is crucial to management, which varies greatly., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
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