Two cases of porphyria cutanea tarda associated with chronic hepatitis positive for the antibody against hepatitis C virus.

We report two cases of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) positive for the antibody against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). The serological and histological examinations revealed that they were persistently infected with HCV and were suffering from liver disease compatible with chronic viral hepatitis. It is suggested that one of the factors which contribute to liver damage of patients with PCT may be HCV infection. It now may be advisable to examine anti-HCV in PCT patients with liver disease.