Clinical manifestation of POEMS syndrome with features of connective tissue disease

The POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes) syndrome is a rare plasma cell disease with multiorgan involvement and varying clinical manifestations. We report a 38-year-old man who presented with scleroderma-like skin changes of the hands and feet, si...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical rheumatology 2001, Vol.20 (1), p.70-72
Main Authors: Eidner, T, Oelzner, P, Ebhardt, H, Kosmehl, H, Stein, G, Hein, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Connective Tissue Diseases - complications
Connective Tissue Diseases - diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Male
Medical treatment
POEMS Syndrome - complications
POEMS Syndrome - diagnosis
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Summary:The POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes) syndrome is a rare plasma cell disease with multiorgan involvement and varying clinical manifestations. We report a 38-year-old man who presented with scleroderma-like skin changes of the hands and feet, sicca and Raynaud's syndrome, pleural effusions, glomerulopathy, polyneuropathy, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Steroid treatment was started on the assumption of a connective tissue disease and led to a temporary improvement. During the further course of the disease, hypothyreosis, monoclonal gammopathy and osteosclerotic bone lesions were detected, leading to the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. This case emphasises the need to consider POEMS syndrome as a differential diagnosis in patients with signs of connective tissue disease and polyneuropathy.
ISSN:0770-3198
1434-9949
DOI:10.1007/PL00011186