[Association of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with porphyria cutanea tarda].

A common characteristic of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is liver dysfunction. The degree of liver damage is usually mild but liver cirrhosis is a common associated finding. Hepatic iron overload is a characteristic feature but the role of iron in the pathogenesis of the condition has not yet been clarified. Heavy alcohol consumption is a frequent precipitant of PCT. A strong association with markers of past hepatitis B virus infection was first demonstrated but a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus markers is now noted. Although the potential to give rise to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in PCT patients with cirrhosis is well recognized, HCC itself has a risk of developing PCT. HCV or the cirrhotic change itself has been attributed as the risk factor for the occurrence of HCC.