Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent revisions to the pressure injury staging system include guidance on differential diagnoses for deep tissue pressure injury (DTPI). Accurately identifying DTPI is critical; however, purpura in the setting of vascular disorders and systemic infectious processes can share similar features confounding diagnosis.
CASES: In this three-case series, we describe suspected DTPI with an uncharacteristic shape or occurring in the presence of additional lesions distributed outside of typical pressure areas prompted further evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: The interdisciplinary approach we adapted was useful in determining the cause of purpura when the DTPI was ruled out by the certified wound care nurse.