Acute intermittent porphyria presenting as acute abdomen

ABSTRACT

The case of a 29 years old lady, who was admitted with frequent episodes of pain, vomiting abdominal distension and constipation has been presented. Having diagnosed as acute abdomen as acute abdomen, exploratory laparotomy was done. The diagnosis of Acute Intermittent Porphyria [AIP] was made, when on 7th post-operative day, she developed flaccid paralysis of all four limbs with normal conscious level. The etiology and pathogenesis of AIP has been discussed with a review of pertinent literature