Porphyria cutanea tarda and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), a relatively uncommon disease, has recently been reported in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although PCT and HIV infection may co-exist by chance, the increasing number of reported cases suggest that HIV or an associated factor triggers the development of PCT in predisposed individuals. We report four additional cases of PCT in HIV seropositive patients and review the previously reported cases. The possible links between PCT and HIV are discussed. We believe the diagnosis of PCT should prompt investigation for HIV infection in all patients.