| Abstract: | T. Weber, S. Theurich, M. Christopeit, T. Klapperstueck, G. Behre. Human herpesvirus‐6 as an inducer of porphyria cutanea tarda: implications from a case.
Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 432–436. All rights reserved Abstract: Here we describe a case that might deliver a link between sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and human‐herpesvirus‐6 (HHV6) hepatitis. Sporadic PCT is a rare disease of the heme synthesis pathway. The pathogenesis has not been fully determined but iron overload and viral infections – e.g., hepatitis C virus – are thought to play an important role. We present the case of a patient suffering from myelo‐monocytic leukemia. He developed symptomatic sporadic PCT concomitant with HHV6‐associated subclinical hepatitis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Although HHV6 often reactivates after SCT and HHV6‐induced hepatitis can occur in immunocompromised patients, it has not been described that HHV6 might trigger PCT. A contribution of HHV6 to the pathogenesis of sporadic PCT could have dramatic implications on our current therapeutic approach. |
