Acrodermatitis enteropathica

Abstract

The aim of the work was the presentation of one case with Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Acrodermatitis enteropathica is diagnosed based on the pedigree, typical clinical manifestations on the skin, laboratory results, small bowel biopsy, skin biopsy and kariotype. The patient was a two years old male toddler, hospitalized due to skin changes, chronic diarrhoea and total alopecia. Skin changes appeared on akral of the limbs, inguinal and perineal region, joints, perioral area and eyes. These changes appeared in different forms (erythematous, squamous, eczematiod, psoriasisforme and crusted). In the eyes were present these changes: blepharitis and conjunctivitis. Also total alopecia was prezent. Diarrhoea was chronic and specific. Laboratory findings showed the existence of sideropenic anemia, hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia and low plasma zinc concentration (7.5 micromol/L). Hystopathological changes on the small bowel and skin biopsy were not typical for this disease. Following the beginning of treatment with zinc sulphate, all clinical skin manifestations disappeared within two months, but the disease itself was characterized with the periods of exarcerbation and remission. Acrodermatitis Enteropathica is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive disease. Mandatory clinical manifestations are: skin changes, chronic diarrhoea and alopecia. Treatment with zinc is obligatory for the life time.