Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare hereditary disorder caused by impaired absorption of zinc from the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by acral and periorificial dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. Early recognition and treatment of the disease will decrease morbidity and mortality. We report a breast-fed infant with the classic signs of AE, had been a fatal evolution. After reviewing the literature we emphasize the important role of zinc in human metabolism and the difference between AE and acquired zinc deficiencies.