Acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica after gastric bypass surgery responsive to IV supplementation

Dermatol Online J. 2016 Nov 15;22(11):13030/qt50v2f3mb.

Abstract

Nutritional deficiency is rare in developed countries, but can be acquired from decreased nutrient intake, reduced absorption, and increased gastrointestinal excretion. We report a patient with acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) who exhibited low plasma zinc levels and concurrent nutritional deficiencies (pyridoxine, selenium and fatty acids). Our patient had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 13 years prior to presentation. The rash, consistent with AE clinically and histologically, nearly resolved one week after starting IV zinc supplementation, total parenteral nutrition, and micronutrient supplements. This case highlights the importance of long-term post-operative follow-up for gastric bypass patients who are at high risk for micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies and illustrates the potential for rapid improvement with IV supplementation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acrodermatitis / diagnosis*
  • Acrodermatitis / drug therapy
  • Acrodermatitis / pathology
  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gastric Bypass*
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / diagnosis*
  • Malnutrition / therapy
  • Parenteral Nutrition, Total
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Trace Elements / therapeutic use
  • Zinc / deficiency*
  • Zinc / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Trace Elements
  • Zinc

Supplementary concepts

  • Acrodermatitis enteropathica