Porphytia Cutanea Tarda: Report of a Case / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

A case of porphyria cutanca tarda is reported, in which the photosensitive cutaneous symptoms developed in association with impaired hepatic function possibly related to chronic consumption of alcohol. Wood's light examination of the urine revealed coral red fluorescence, and qualitative chemical urinalysis was strong positive for uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin. Biopsy of the skin showed subepidermal bulla with festooning arrangement of the naked papillae and basophilic degeneration of the dermis. The patient's favorable response to alkalinization therapy by sodium bicarbonate per os is encouraging, even for a short period's observation. Clinical, histopathological, and biochemical features of this disease are also discussed.