POEMS syndrome--a case report.

POEMS syndrome is a multisystem disorder associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, a monoclonal protein (M-protein), and skin changes. The authors describe a patient with POEMS syndrome who had osteosclerotic myeloma confirmed by open bone biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed discrete lesions of low signal intensity in both T1 and T2-weighted images. This patient is now being successfully treated with melphalan and prednisone with much improvement in skin thickening and sensory change in the lower extremities.     

Multicentric angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia associated with a solitary osteolytic costal IgG lambda myeloma. POEMS syndrome in a South American (Paraguayan) patient

We report the case of a 46-year-old woman presenting with a disorder characterized by the association of multicentric Castleman's disease, organomegaly, a solitary IgA lambda myeloma with lytic bone lesions but no serum monoclonal peak, peripheral neuropathy and skin changes. This unusual association resulted in an incomplete form of that peculiar multisystem syndrome described under a variety of names: Crow-Fukase syndrome, Shimpo's syndrome, Takatsuki's syndrome, PEP syndrome or POEMS syndrome. The possible relationship between localized and multicentric Castleman's disease with myeloma or extramedullary plasmacytoma on one hand and on the other hand with polyneuropathy and the other symptoms of the POEMS syndrome is discussed.     

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin change (POEMS) syndrome with IgG kappa paraproteinemia.

The POEMS syndrome is an infrequently reported multisystem disorder which presents usually as an obscure polyneuropathy, with almost all cases reported in Japan. A 64 yr old caucasian man presented with a 12 mth history of a severe sensorimotor neuropathy in association with dermato-endocrine features. Detection of a monoclonal IgG kappa paraprotein and mixed osteosclerotic/lytic bone lesions consistent with a plasma cell dyscrasia led to diagnosis of the POEMS syndrome. Unique ultrastructural features were present on sural nerve biopsy in addition to the unusual association with monoclonal kappa-light chain. This case illustrates that the POEMS syndrome may also occur in caucasian subjects.     

POEMS综合征的临床表现及诊断

目的分析POEMS综合征的临床表现及诊断标准。方法回顾性分析36例POEMS综合征患者的临床特点,并与国内、外文献进行比较。结果POEMS综合征患者除了具有多发性神经病(100%)、器官肿大(92%)、内分泌病(86%)、单克隆浆细胞增生(100%)和皮肤病变(86%)的典型临床特征外,还常常表现为血管外容量过负荷(97%)、视乳头水肿(57%)和骨病变(25%)。另外,POEMS综合征患者还常常伴发有Castleman病(25%)。结论POEMS综合征的诊断除应将多发性神经病和克隆性浆细胞疾病作为主要诊断标准外,还应该包括硬化性骨病变、Castlem an病、视乳头水肿、外周性水肿和浆膜腔积液、皮肤病变、脏器肿大及内分泌病变在内的次要诊断标准。     

POEMS syndrome and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.

A 58 year old man presented with a three year history of impotence, night sweats and ankle swelling. On examination, the patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome, but was unusual in that he also had underlying Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia with IgM kappa paraproteinaemia. The patient was treated with intermittent chlorambucil and made a good recovery. POEMS syndrome has been described in association with osteosclerotic myeloma and Castleman's disease. The paraprotein involved is usually IgG or IgA with lambda light chains. This case indicates that the presence of lambda light chains is not essential for the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome. It also emphasises the diversity of plasma cell dyscrasias that can manifest as POEMS syndrome.     

An unusual cause of type 2 respiratory failure

We present a female patient who was referred for management of respiratory failure. She was being evaluated and managed as worsening chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with type 2 respiratory failure. Initial examination showed hypertrichosis, clubbing and papilledema along with severe distal and proximal motor-predominant weakness with impending respiratory failure. She was managed with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and plasmapheresis awaiting diagnostic investigations. Immunofixation showed an “M band” and free lambda chain levels were elevated. Radiographs showed the classic osteosclerotic lesions of POEMS (polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin abnormalities) syndrome. Six weeks after commencing radiotherapy to the osteosclerotic lesions, the patient responded favorably and remains off nocturnal NIV support.     

Pathological findings in three non-japanese patients with the POEMS syndrome

Summary The pathological features of three European patients with plasma cell dyscrasia, osteosclerosis and a multisystem disorder, most frequent in Japan, that includes polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein anti skin changes (POEMS syndrome), are reported. The material was obtained from biopsies (peroneal nerve, lymph node) and general autopsy, including hypophysis, in one case. The most salient findings were: peripheral nerve lesions, including both segmental demyelination and axonal degeneration, with socalled uncompacted myelin lamellae (UML); angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (AFLNH); and non inflammatory vascular changes. Though not specific, it appears that UML and AFLNH may be contributive findings in atypical cases of POEMS syndrome (incomplete forms, lack of underlying malignant plasma cell dyscrasia or circulating monoclonal immunoglobulin). Among the various autopsy findings we emphasize the skin thickening which was secondary to a hyaline sclerosis of the papillary dermis, and the presence in adenohypophysis of numerous cells showing positive reactions with the anti-alpha MSH antibody. Though immunological, vascular and hormonal disturbancies have been implicated at the origin of several manifestations of the disorder, the pathogenesis of the POEMS syndrome remains obsecure.     

Clinical aspects of multiple myeloma and related disorders including amyloidosis

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the presence of bone pain, weakness, and fatigue. Ninety-eight percent of patients have an M-protein in the serum or urine at the time of diagnosis. Skeletal roentgenograms are abnormal in nearly 80%. Renal insufficiency (creatinine > or = 2 mg/dL) is present in one-fourth. The major causes of renal insufficiency are "myeloma kidney" and hypercalcemia. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma depends upon the presence of more than 10% plasma cells or a plasmacytoma plus an M-protein in the serum or urine or lytic bone lesions. Multiple myeloma must be differentiated from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering multiple myeloma. The plasma cell labeling index and the presence of circulating plasma cells in the peripheral blood are helpful in the differential diagnosis. Plasma cell leukemia, osteosclerotic myeloma (POEMS syndrome), and plasmacytomas are discussed. The heavy-chain diseases consist of alpha, gamma, and mu heavy-chain disease. The fibrils of primary amyloidosis consist of kappa or lambda monoclonal light chains. Weakness, fatigue, and weight loss are the most frequent symptoms. Macroglossia occurs in 10%. An M-protein is found in the serum or urine in 90%. The presence of nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, congestive heart failure, orthostatic hypotension, or sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, and an M-protein in the serum or urine suggest the possibility of primary amyloidosis. The diagnosis depends upon the demonstration of amyloid in tissues. The subcutaneous fat aspirate is positive in 80% while the bone marrow is positive in 55%. If these tissues are negative, one should obtain tissue from an involved organ.     

Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome complicated with multiple cerebral infarction: a rare case report and review of literature

POEMS syndrome is a rare hematological disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes. Castleman disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder that can be present in POEMS patients, which can be defined as Castleman disease variant of POEMS syndrome. Herein, we described a 24-year-old male patient diagnosed with this syndrome and also suffered from multiple cerebral infarctions. This patient showed no evidence of monoclonal gammopathy and failed to have electromyography examined. The final diagnosis was established with the help of the axillary lymph node biopsy. As a rare case of POEMS syndrome without evidence fulfilling the major mandatory diagnostic criteria and with cerebrovascular involvement, its characteristics was discussed with a brief literature review in order to facilitate further understanding of the POEMS syndrome.     

Angiofollikuläre lymphatische Hyperplasie mit Plasmozytom und Polyneuropathie: Ein Fallbericht mit immunhistochemischer Untersuchung

Summary A rare case of a 43-year-old man with polyneuropathy, monoclonal gammopathy, myeloma and Castleman's disease of plasma cell type was diagnosed. Immunohistological examination of the lymph node with Castleman's disease showed polyclonal binding while the myeloma was monoclonal containing IgA with -light chains. At the immunoelectrophoresis IgA/IgA paraprotein was demonstrated. The possible pathogenetical relationship between polyneuropathy and plasmacytoma as well as Castleman's disease will be discussed.

---

Abkürzungsverzeichnis AFLH Angiofollikuläre lymphatische Hyperplasie - AFP Alpha-Foetoprotein - CEA Carcinoembryonaler Antigen - HIV Human immunodeficiency virus - PEP polyneuropathy, edema, plasmacelldyscrasia - POEMS polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin lesions     

Poems syndrome.

A 40 year old Chinese woman presented with anasarca and later developed features of POEMS syndrome. These are peripheral neuropathy (P), organomegaly (O), endocrine dysfunction (E), monoclonal gammopathy (M), and skin changes (S) which are usually associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. In our patient, monoclonal gammopathy was not detected on immunofixation electrophoresis and was revealed only after analysis of kappa/lambda light chain ratio of the raised serum IgA immunoglobulin. Needle liver biopsy of her grossly enlarged liver showed marked accumulation of glycogen and presence of giant mitochondria in the hepatocytes, a feature not previously reported.     

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease. A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of five cases

Several lymphoproliferative disorders may be interpreted as multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) clinicopathologically. These include HIV infection, autoimmune-disease-associated lymphadenopathy, idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy with polyclonal hyperimmunoglobulinemia, "idiopathic MCD", POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, anasarca, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-proteins, and skin lesions), and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Among these, idiopathic MCD appears to be relatively rare. We report on the clinicopathologic and immunohistologic findings of five cases of idiopathic MCD and discuss the problems regarding their differential diagnosis. Some of the characteristic clinical findings of POEMS syndrome, including hepatosplenomegaly, skin change, endocrine abnormalities and anasarca, were present in all five cases. However, during the course of disease, minimal diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome, i.e., monoclonal plasma cell proliferation and sensory motor neuropathys, were absent in all five cases. The serum interleukin-6 level and the vascular endothelial growth factor level were found to be elevated in two of the cases examined. Various autoantibodies were detected in three cases. However, none of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for any of the definite autoimmune-disease. Histologically, three lesions exhibited a mixed type of Castleman's disease, and two exhibited the hyaline-vascular type. The majority of the germinal centers were of the hyaline-vascular or epithelioid germinal type, with a few hyperplastic germinal centers. The interfollicular area was characterized by prominent vascularity. Moderate to large sheets of plasma cells were observed in three mixed type cases. The polytypic nature of B-lymphocytes was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated that the majority of germinal centers exhibited a tight/concentric pattern of FDC network. Few CD57-positive T-cells were observed in the hyaline-vascular and epithelioid follicles. The lack of CD57-positive T-cells appears to be related to the formation of abnormal germinal centers in the MCD.     

Low Levels of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA) Predict Engraftment Syndrome after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in POEMS Syndrome and Other Plasma Cell Neoplasms

A rare, multisystem, plasma cell neoplasm, POEMS (polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-spike, skin changes) syndrome is characterized by an abundance of proinflammatory and angiogenic cytokines. Patients with POEMS are known to have a high incidence of engraftment syndrome after autologous stem cell transplantation. We conducted a pilot study assessing levels of 30 different pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines before and serially after transplantation in 18 patients with plasma cell neoplasms: POEMS syndrome (n = 9), multiple myeloma (n = 4), and amyloidosis (n = 5). We show that POEMS patients have higher pretransplantation levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-α, and EGF as compared with those with non-POEMS plasma cell neoplasms. Higher pre- and posttransplantation IL-13 levels correlated with delayed neutrophil engraftment in POEMS patients. Low posttransplantation IL-1RA levels correlated with engraftment syndrome in both POEMS and non-POEMS patients. We conclude that differences in the peri-transplantation cytokine milieu may explain the higher transplantation morbidity in patients with POEMS syndrome. Our results need validation in a larger cohort.     

Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in POEMS Syndrome: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia presenting with polyneuropathy, λ-type M protein, vascular endothelial growth factor elevation, and systemic manifestations. The standard treatment has not been established, but autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has exhibited effectiveness in this syndrome. However, the efficacy and long-term outcomes of ASCT have not been systematically studied. To clarify the efficacy and long-term outcomes of ASCT-treated patients in Japan, we performed a multicenter retrospective study assessing the clinical course of patients registered to the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Transplant Registry Unified Management Program (TRUMP) database. Between January 2000 and December 2011, 95 patients (58 men) were registered to the TRUMP database with a median age of 53 years (range, 28 to 72). The conditioning regimen was melphalan in 93 of 94 patients (99%), and 69 patients (74.2%) received a melphalan dose ≥ 200?mg/m². The median CD34 cell dose was 2.47?×?10⁶/kg (range, .31 to 20). After ASCT, patient performance status was dramatically improved (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1: 20.0% versus 71.6%, P?<?.0001). Over a median follow-up of 46.6 months 10 patients died, and 5-year overall survival was 88.8% (n?=?95). Progression-free survival at 3 years was 78.3% (n?=?70; median follow-up, 54.4 months). These data support the promising role of ASCT in patients with POEMS syndrome for both prolonging survival and improving quality of life. However, disease recurrence remains a major issue for long-term survivors.     

An autopsy case of Crow-Fukase (POEMS) syndrome with a high level of IL-6 in the ascites. Special reference to glomerular lesions.

A 58-year-old man developed polyneuropathy, organomegaly, gynecomastia, skin pigmentation, and multiple myeloma (IgG-lambda type). Although transient clinical improvement was obtained with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, his general condition deteriorated progressively, and he died 3 years after onset. Lymph nodes showed angiofollicular hyperplasia, and the sural nerve revealed segmental demyelination. At autopsy, the glomeruli were enlarged and showed mild mesangial cell proliferation with segmental mesangiolysis and proliferation of endothelial cells forming abnormal vessels. The massive volume of ascites contained a high level of interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6, a multifunctional cytokine, may be the pathogenic factor which induces the various clinical symptoms and pathological features of Crow-Fukase (POEMS) syndrome.     

Clinical, biochemical, and pathological features in a patient with plasma cell dyscrasia and Fanconi syndrome

Multiple myeloma is associated with a wide array of renal diseases that include myeloma cast nephropathy, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, amyloidosis, cryoglobulinemia, tubular dysfunction, pyelonephritis, nephrocalcinosis, urate nephropathy, and infiltration by atypical plasma cells (or myeloma cells). Filtered immunoglobulin light chains may affect both the distal and, more frequently, the proximal tubule. Tubular abnormalities in patients with plasma cell dyscrasia may be more frequent than previously thought. A patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia is described, who presented with biochemical features consistent with Fanconi syndrome. Immunoelectron microscopy performed on the renal biopsy confirmed the presence of kappa light chain immunoglobulin in intracytoplasmic crystals in proximal tubular epithelial cells. This report is one of a few demonstrating the presence of light-chain immunoglobulin in intratubular crystals in a human renal biopsy obtained from a patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia and Fanconi syndrome.     

Clinical,Biochemical, and Pathological Features in a Patient with Plasma Cell Dyscrasia and Fanconi Syndrome

Multiple myeloma is associated with a wide array of renal diseases that include myeloma cast nephropathy, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, amyloidosis, cryoglobulinemia, tubular dysfunction, pyelonephritis, nephrocalcinosis, urate nephropathy, and infiltration by atypical plasma cells (or myeloma cells). Filtered immunoglobulin light chains may affect both the distal and, more frequently, the proximal tubule. Tubular abnormalities in patients with plasma cell dyscrasia may be more frequent than previously thought. A patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia is described, who presented with biochemical features consistent with Fanconi syndrome. Immunoelectron microscopy performed on the renal biopsy confirmed the presence of kappa light chain immunoglobulin in intracytoplasmic crystals in proximal tubular epithelial cells. This report is one of a few demonstrating the presence of light-chain immunoglobulin in intratubular crystals in a human renal biopsy obtained from a patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia and Fanconi syndrome.     

POEMS syndrome with idiopathic portal hypertension: Autopsy case and review of the literature

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multi‐system disease. Reported herein is an autopsy case of POEMS syndrome in a subject who developed idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH). The patient was a 38‐year‐old woman who was initially admitted to the Saiseikai Central Hospital because of polyneuropathy and edema. Diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was established on additional symptoms (splenomegaly and papilloedema) and serum M‐protein. Corticosteroid was given for 10 years. The patient was admitted again at the age of 48 years because of gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension. The patient died of hepatoencephalopathy at 58 years of age. The liver at autopsy demonstrated dense portal fibrosis and obliteration of small portal vein branches, which are characteristic histological findings of IPH. Portal hypertension is a rare symptom in POEMS syndrome. Only three cases of IPH associated with POEMS syndrome (including the present one) have been reported so far. In the previous two reports, liver biopsy failed to determine the cause of portal hypertension. This is the first report on the occurrence of histological findings compatible with IPH in the liver. Although it is not confirmed whether IPH is related to POEMS syndrome, elevated serum cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor and coagulation abnormality could have contributed to the development of IPH in the present case.     

Monoclonal gammopathies and the related autoimmune manifestations in Taiwan.

A total of 50,000 patients were surveyed for the presence of monoclonal immunoglobulins during the past two decades. There were 411 cases of monoclonal gammopathies including 243 cases of plasma cell neoplasms and 168 cases of secondary plasma-cell dyscrasia. Among the 227 cases of multiple myeloma and Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia, there were 49.3% IgG class, 22.9% IgA class, 9.7% IgM class and 13.2% light chain type. In addition, there were 1.3% of nonexcretory myeloma including an IgM type. A relatively high frequency (4.8%) of IgD M-proteins was detected but heavy chain disease was not encountered in the present series. Purified M-components from patients with possible autoimmune manifestations were subjected to immunofluorescence studies. Autoimmune activity of M-proteins was found in a patient of Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia with peripheral neuropathy, and another patient of cryofibrinogenemia with recurrent purpura and gangrene. In conclusion, a high frequency of IgD myeloma is found in Chinese patients of this area. M-components may have autoimmune activity resulting in unusual clinical manifestations.