Porphyria cutanea tarda, or the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase deficiency diseases

The term "porphyria cutanea tarda" originally described the dermatological manifestations of various chronic porphyrias. Its usage now is usually restricted to disorders associated with a deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), for which the term "UROD-deficiency" may be more appropriate. Four etiologic agents have been implicated in this condition: alcohol, oral estrogens, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, and iron. An inherited …