AI Article Synopsis
- Pellagra is a disorder resulting from a lack of niacin or tryptophan, causing skin issues like dermatitis and gastrointestinal problems, including glossitis and diarrhea.
- Neurological symptoms can also arise, such as dementia and anxiety, but not all patients exhibit these.
- A case study discusses a woman who showed skin symptoms and difficulty swallowing without diarrhea or neurological signs; she was treated with niacin supplementation and recovered, underscoring the need for awareness in diagnosing pellagra based solely on skin and swallowing issues.
Article Abstract
Pellagra is a disorder caused by a deficiency of niacin or tryptophan, manifested by characteristic dermatitis on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Gastrointestinal involvement is common, and symptoms include glossitis, stomatitis, and diarrhea. Neurologic symptoms can occur in some patients, including dementia, anxiety, depression, tremors, hyporeflexia and, in severe cases, encephalopathy. We present the case of a woman with hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis on sun-exposed areas of the skin along with progressive dysphagia. Notably, she did not report diarrhea or any neurologic or psychiatric symptoms. Her symptoms were most consistent with pellagra, and niacin supplementation was initiated, leading to recovery. This case report highlights that dermatitis and dysphagia, the main gastrointestinal manifestations, can be the only symptoms in patients with pellagra, requiring a high index of suspicion in dermatologic settings to diagnose and treat this fatal condition early.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11263005 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1390180 | DOI Listing |
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