Acrodermatitis Enteropathica in an Adult

Introduction

Acrodermatitis enteropathica has been recognized as a rare clinical entity distinct from epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica since 1942, when Danbolt and Closs¹ classically described the disease. Prior to that time Wende² and Brandt³ had reported bizarre bullous dermatoses, which in retrospect were acrodermatitis enteropathica. Diiodohydroxyquin (Diadoquin) was found by Schlomovitz⁴ to be an effective therapeutic agent. Subsequent reports by Dillaha and Lorincz,⁵ Bloom and Sobel,⁶ and HodgsonJones⁷ confirm its successful action.

The following case report of acrodermatitis enteropathica is unique. The patient is a 46-year-old woman who has had a mild intermittent form of the disease most of her life. The histopathology of the disorder is reported in detail. Diiodohydroxyquin has resulted in a remission of the disease.

Report of a Case

A married woman, age 46, was first seen in August, 1956, with a dermatitis involving the distal