A Case of Acquired Zinc Deficiency in a Patient with Ischemic Colitis / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Zinc deficiency is characterized by acrodermatitis enteropathica like eruption such as periorificial dermatitis, diarrhea and mental irritability. This syndrome occurs due to decreased supplementation, increased consumption or decreased bowel absorption of zinc. We report here on a case of acquired zinc deficiency in a patient who was receiving total parenteral nutrition due to ischemic colitis. She showed denuded patches on the perinasal, perioral and perineal area and tense bullae on both hands. She was suffering from diarrhea and mental irritability. Her blood zinc level was 4.9microng/dl. Subsequent intravenous zinc supplementation cleared up her clinical manifestations.