Open AccessPOEMS Syndrome: an Atypical Presentation with Chronic Diarrhoea and Asthenia
Author(s) -
Joana Alves Vaz,
Lilia Frada,
Maria Manuela Soares,
Alberto Mello e Silva
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european journal of case reports in internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2284-2594
DOI - 10.12890/2019_001241
Subject(s) - organomegaly , poems syndrome , medicine , monoclonal gammopathy , polyneuropathy , presentation (obstetrics) , disease , chronic urticaria , dermatology , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , monoclonal , pathology , surgery , immunology , monoclonal antibody , antibody
POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic condition associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, monoclonal gammopathy, endocrine and skin changes. We report a case of a man with Castleman disease and monoclonal gammopathy, with a history of chronic diarrhoea and asthenia. Gastrointestinal involvement in POEMS syndrome is not frequently referred to in the literature and its physiopathology is not fully understood. Diagnostic criteria were met during hospitalization but considering the patient’s overall health condition, therapeutic options were limited. Current treatment for POEMS syndrome depends on the management of the underlying plasma cell disorder. This report outlines the importance of a thorough review of systems and a physical examination to allow an attempted diagnosis and appropriate treatment.