Porphyria cutanea tarda in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection in a hemophiliac

Abstract

A case of porphyria cutanea tarda in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with hemophilia is reported. Onset of skin manifestations of porphyria cutanea tarda coincided with deterioration of immune function. However, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has not yet developed with a follow-up interval of 39 months. Treatment with zidovudine and topical steroids has resulted in significant improvement in the skin lesions. The clinical features of 11 other reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus—associated porphyria cutanea tarda are reviewed. The data suggest that a true association exists between human immunodeficiency virus infection and porphyria cutania tarda, with onset of clinical signs of porphyria cutanea tarda coincident with declining immunologic function.