Porphyria cutanea tarda

Abstract

Porphyrias result from inherited or acquired deficiencies in any one of several enzymes that synthesize heme. When a given enzyme is absent or in short supply, porphyrins are shunted away from heme synthesis into pathways that produce porphyrin by-products. These by-products, in turn, build up in tissues and cause the clinical manifestations of porphyria. In this case report, Dr Rich discusses findings in a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda and provides valuable information for recognizing and treating this disorder.