Porphyria cutanea tarda as rare cutaneous manifestation of hepatic metastases treated with interferon

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman with blistering on the hands was diagnosed with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). At that time, she was treated with interferon for liver metastasis of a pancreas tumor since 7 years. Although apparently rare, PCT has been described as possible cutaneous manifestation both of hepatic tumors and interferon treatment. Further, PCT can also be exacerbated by hepatitis C virus infection, alcohol, estrogens, HFE gene mutations predisposing for hereditary hemochromatosis, hexachlorobenzene, and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p -dioxin. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the manifestation of PCT may be associated with distinct precipitating factors, which are briefly discussed here. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation © 2007 The International Society of Dermatology.