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Porphyria cutanea tarda in a middle-aged man with alcohol consumption

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a rare condition characterized by impaired heme synthesis affecting the skin. This case report describes the presentation and diagnosis of PCT in a 42-year-old man with a history of alcohol consumption. Following a family vacation at a beachside resort, the patient developed tense blisters with scarring and milia on both hands and forearms. Histopathological analysis showed a pauci-cellular subepidermal bulla. The dermal papilla showed few slender protrusions into the bullous space. The dermal blood vessel showed moderate mononuclear cell infiltration around blood vessels. The basement membrane zone (BMZ) appeared thickened. The dermis showed mild inflammation. Direct immunofluorescence revealed intense homogeneous deposits in the blood vessels of the papillary dermis and granular deposits at the BMZ of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and C3. This case underscores the importance of considering PCT as a possible complication in patients with a history of alcohol consumption.

Source: Indian Journal of Skin Allergy

DOI: 10.25259/ijsa_49_2023

Authors: Abhishek De, Subhra Dhar, Asok Ghoshal, Aarti Sarda, Raghavendra Rao

Institutions: Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

Language: English

Topic: Porphyrin Metabolism and Disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4412918816