A case of porphyria cutanea tarda in the setting of hepatitis C infection and tobacco usage

• Published in: Dermatology online journal Vol. 25; no. 12
• Main Authors: Lederhandler, M, Chen, L, Meehan, S A, Brinster, N K, Neimann, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States University of California Digital Library - eScholarship 15-12-2019
• Subjects: Aged; Dermatology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - complications; Hand - pathology; Hepatitis; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C - complications; Humans; Male; Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - diagnosis; Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - etiology; Porphyria Cutanea Tarda - pathology; Smoking - adverse effects; Tobacco
• ISSN: 1087-2108; 1087-2108
• DOI: 10.5070/D32512046727

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria, presenting in middle-aged patients with a photodistributed vesiculobullous eruption, milia, and scars. Porphyria cutanea tarda occurs in relation to inhibition of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, a key enzyme in the heme biosynthesis pathway. A number of genetic and acquired factors increase susceptibility to PCT by reducing uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity. A handful of other vesiculobullous conditions may mimic PCT both clinically and histologically; therefore, both skin biopsy and laboratory evaluation are helpful in confirming the diagnosis. We report a case of PCT in the setting of cigarette usage and untreated hepatitis C infection.