Porphyria cutanea tarda is a rare disease, resulting from low activity of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. It takes part in the stepwise process of haem of hemoglobin synthesis. The result is overproduction of porphyrins and their precursors that accumulate in the blood, skin and the liver. Potential trigger factors are chronic hepatitis C, HIV infection, alcohol, estrogen-containing drugs and smoking.
We present a clinical case of a 63-year-old male with chronic viral C hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and porphyria cutanea tarda. The clinical presentation included painful, blistering lesions on the sun exposed skin areas. A three-month course with direct acting antivirals was performed which sustained virological response, negative HCV RNA, full remission of the skin disease with no side effects.
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