PCT

Introduction

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is the most common and also the most readily treated form of porphyria. Blisters and crusting of sun-exposed areas of skin are the most prominent features. PCT is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) in the liver. UROD is the fifth in the series of eight enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of heme. PCT is somewhat more common in men than women. It usually develops in middle age, hence, the name tarda which is Latin for late.

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