Liver cirrhosis induced by porphyria cutanea tarda: a case report and review.

Abstract

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a metabolic disorder that results in a decrease in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity. It is characterized by photosensitivity, bullae formation, and skin pigmentation. There are four types of PCT: acquired, familial, toxic, and hepatoerythropoietic. Uroporphyrin levels are elevated in the urine of PCT patients. PCT can be differentiated from other porphyrias by its clinical characteristics and the porphyrin levels in the serum, erythrocytes, urine, and feces. This metabolic disorder can lead to liver dysfunction as well as histological changes such as fatty infiltration or hepatic fibrosis. PCT rarely manifests as liver cirrhosis. We report herein a case of PCT-induced liver cirrhosis that progressed to hepatic failure.

• Authors: Kwang Gyun Lee, Jong Jin Hyun, Yeon Seok Seo, Bora Keum, Hyung Joon Yim, Yoon Tae Jeen, Hong Sik Lee, Hoon Jai Chun, Chang Duck Kim, Ho Sang Ryu, Soon Ho Um
• Journal: Gut and liver (Gut Liver) Vol. 4 Issue 4 Pg. 551-5 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 2005-1212 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 21253308 (Publication Type: Journal Article)