POEMS Syndrome: an Atypical Presentation with Chronic Diarrhoea and Asthenia

  • Joana Alves Vaz Department of Internal Medicine, Egas Moniz Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Lilia Frada Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Espirito Santo Hospital, Evora, Portugal
  • Maria Manuela Soares Department of Internal Medicine, Egas Moniz Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Alberto Mello e Silva Department of Internal Medicine, Egas Moniz Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12890/2019_001241

Keywords

POEMS syndrome, chronic diarrhoea, polyneuropathy

Abstract

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.

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    • Published: 2019-12-16

    Issue: Vol 7 No 1 (view)

    Section: Articles

    How to cite:
    1.
    Vaz JA, Frada L, Soares MM, Mello e Silva A. POEMS Syndrome: an Atypical Presentation with Chronic Diarrhoea and Asthenia. EJCRIM 2019;7 doi:10.12890/2019_001241.

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