Pellagra: An Old Enemy of Timeless Importance

BackgroundIn the United States, pellagra is infrequently reported. Yet this disorder does occur among malnourished persons.ObjectiveThe author seeks to clarify diagnosis and treatment.MethodThe author describes various presentations and effects of this disorder.ResultsKnowledge 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.ConclusionThe typically robust response of the disorder to physiologic doses of niacin can assist in confirming the diagnosis.