Pellagra: an old enemy of timeless importance.

BACKGROUND

In the United States, pellagra is infrequently reported. Yet this disorder does occur among malnourished persons.

OBJECTIVE

The author seeks to clarify diagnosis and treatment.

METHOD: The author describes various presentations and effects of this disorder.

RESULTS

Knowledge of classic and atypical presentations can assist in making the diagnosis. The author presents two cases of pellagra that exemplify the classic and atypical presentations.

CONCLUSION

The typically robust response of the disorder to physiologic doses of niacin can assist in confirming the diagnosis.