Porphyria cutanea tarda associated with an acute gastrointestinal bleed : The roles of supplemental iron and blood transfusion

We describe a case of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) induced by blood transfusion and oral iron supplementation in an 80-year-old white woman. The patient experienced acute blood loss from 2 duodenal ulcers 2 months prior to presentation. During her hospitalization for the gastrointestinal bleed, her anemia was treated with blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and erythropoietin. Multiple blistering lesions developed on her skin 2 months after hospital discharge. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with a diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda. Treatment included discontinuation of iron therapy, local skin care, and phlebotomy, which prevented the development of more lesions. The roles of iron overload and chronic renal disease in the pathogenesis of the porphyria are discussed.