POEMS syndrome: update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management

Unraveling the Neurological Complexity of Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Protein, and Skin Changes Syndrome: A Report of a Challenging Case of a Young Woman and Cutting-Edge Advancements in the Field

POEMS syndrome-characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes-is an uncommon and complex paraneoplastic disorder encompassing a diverse array of symptoms. Here we report the challenging case of a 34-year-old female who sought medical attention at the emergency department due to distal lower limb weakness. She was breastfeeding her first child at that time. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, making it difficult for her to perform simple tasks independently. Initially, she struggled with activities like jumping or climbing stairs. Eventually, her ability to walk was also compromised. These symptoms underscored the swift evolution of her polyneuropathy. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography confirmed a diagnosis of mixed demyelinating and axonal polyneuropathy. Subsequent investigations, including bone marrow biopsy and immunochemistry testing, revealed a plasma cell disorder characterized by lambda monoclonal gammopathy, along with elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF > 8000 pg/mL). This pivotal finding led to the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, prompting the initiation of antineoplastic therapy (daratumumab-lenalidomide-dexamethasone) to manage this condition. An autologous cell transplantation was planned. The rarity of POEMS syndrome and its diverse clinical manifestations often lead to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis. Our case underscores the importance of considering this syndrome in patients presenting with acute or subacute polyneuropathy, even if the patients are young. In conclusion, this case elucidates the diagnostic complexities of POEMS syndrome, emphasizing the integral role of comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations and the potential influence of increased VEGF as a diagnostic key element and possible therapeutic target.

POEMS syndrome in the 21st century: A bibliometric analysis

Background

POEMS syndrome is a rare and complex plasma cell disorder characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, high M protein levels, and skin changes. Understanding of POEMS syndrome has advanced rapidly since the 21st century. This study aims to summarize and evaluate the research status of POEMS syndrome in the past 23 years through a bibliometric and visualization analysis, and identify research focuses and emerging hotspots for the future.

Methods

POEMS syndrome-related articles published between January 1, 2000, and March 8, 2023, were systematically retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Data processing and visualization analysis were carried out using a combination of R software, HistCite, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

Results

Since entering the 21st century, 3677 authors from 1125 institutions in 68 countries/regions have published 830 original and review articles on POEMS syndrome in 408 journals so far, among which the USA, Japan, and China published the most articles, and Mayo Clinic, Udice French Research Universities, and Peking Union Medical College listed the top three most prolific institutions. However, collaborative research across countries and groups in the study of POEMS syndrome remain significantly limited. Angela Dispenzieri ranked first in POEMS syndrome research from every aspect of authors, producing the most papers and contributing the most-cited article, followed by Satoshi Kuwabara and Sonoko Misawa. Internal medicine was the most productive journal on POEMS syndrome. "endothelial growth factor" was the keyword with the highest occurrence except for "POEMS syndrome", and "bevacizumab", "lenalidomide", "dexamethasone", and "management" were recognized as emerging topics.

Conclusion

This study utilized bibliometric and visualization analysis to systematically summarize the research of POEMS syndrome in the first two decades of the 21st century, offering a data-based and objective perspective on the field of POEMS syndrome and guiding researchers in the identification of novel research directions.

Hematologic Disorders and the Nervous System

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurologic complications of red blood cell, platelet, and plasma cell disorders.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Cerebrovascular complications can occur in patients with blood cell and platelet disorders. Treatment strategies to prevent stroke are available for patients with sickle cell disease, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura should be considered in patients with neurologic symptoms, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, mild renal insufficiency, and fever. Plasma cell disorders can be associated with peripheral neuropathy, and classification of the monoclonal protein type and neuropathy aid in diagnosis. Patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes) syndrome can present with arterial and venous neurologic events.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

This article discusses the neurologic complications of blood cell disorders and the most recent advances in prevention and treatment.

Paraneoplastic ocular syndrome: a pandora's box of underlying malignancies

Paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the visual system are a group of conditions that arise in the systemic malignancy framework. In this review, we have provided a detailed and comprehensive overview of the published literature on the various ophthalmic paraneoplastic manifestations. A systematic review of many databases has been performed to identify ample literature on the paraneoplastic syndromes related to ophthalmology. We have discussed here the clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of various ophthalmic paraneoplastic syndromes. It can be challenging to distinguish these disorders from their non-paraneoplastic counterparts and to determine the appropriate systemic assessment for the tumour responsible, to have a proper approach towards the management of the syndrome. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Science Direct and Journal of Ophthalmology for studies published in English between 1995 and April 2020, incorporating the general search term "paraneoplastic ocular syndrome" with connecting terms relevant to subheadings-e.g. Key search terms were cancer-associated retinopathy, (CAR), melanoma-associated retinopathy, (MAR), paraneoplastic retinopathy, autoimmune retinopathy, autoimmune-related retinopathy, and optic neuropathy, (ARRON), acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, (AZOOR), paraneoplastic vitelliform maculopathy, paraneoplastic vitelliform retinopathy, bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation, (BDUMP), paraneoplastic optic neuropathy, (PON), polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclona gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome (POEMS) and various other terms. References from identified studies have been reviewed and included if deemed appropriate, valid, and scientifically important. If referenced in a selected English paper, we contemplated papers in other languages too. We preferentially selected papers that have been published in the last 10 years, but we have included relevant older references.

Two cases of special POEMS syndrome without monoclonal protein expression: a case report and literature review

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) syndrome is rare, with polyneuropathy and monoclonal plasma cell disorder generally considered as essential diagnostic symptoms. We report two cases of POEMS syndrome without monoclonal protein expression. The first case was a 72-year-old man who had experienced recurrent edema of the lower limbs for 2 years and abdominal distention for 2 months. The other case was a 62-year-old man with a 5-year history of recurrent numbness of the extremities and muscle weakness, which had become serious over the preceding 3 months. Both patients had various symptoms that matched those of POEMS syndrome, but neither had monoclonal protein expression. However, a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was made in each case. Both patients were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, after which their symptoms improved and laboratory test results normalized. The findings in these two cases suggest the possibility that POEMS syndrome may occur without monoclonal protein expression. The diagnostic criteria of POEMS syndrome may thus need further investigation.

Refractory Chronic Immune-mediated Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Please verify term, "alternative". Chronic immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a treatable immune-related demyelinating polyneuropathy. Approximately 20% of cases do not respond to first-line therapies; most of these cases are due to alternative diagnoses, although some of them are due to severe CIDP. Unfortunately, a lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria complicates the course of diagnosis and treatment. This article discusses videos of cases referred to a tertiary medical center for "refractory CIDP" and pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Endocrine Evaluation in POEMS Syndrome: A Cohort Study

Endocrinopathy is an important characteristic of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome. However, endocrine responses to different regimens were unknown so far. Here we investigated endocrine characteristics in 383 patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome and thyroid responses 1 year after treatment with autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation, melphalan plus dexamethasone, or lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. Overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were noted in 20.6% (79/383) and 36.0% (138/383) of patients. Adrenal insufficiency was noted in 13.6% (43/316) of patients. Hyperprolactinemia was noted in 62.7% (207/330) of patients. Hypogonadism was noted in 48.0% (60/125) of female and 22.6% (51/226) of male patients. Thyroid function was significantly related with baseline risk stratification (p < 0.001) and significantly improved regardless of initial regimens. Patients with baseline hypothyroidism had a significant inferior progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.028) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.006). Three-year PFS in patients with and without baseline hypothyroidism were 68.9 vs. 82.5%, respectively. Three-year OS rates in patients with and without baseline hypothyroidism were 82.8 vs. 92.8%, respectively. In summary, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and hypogonadism are common endocrinopathies in POEMS syndrome. Thyroid function significantly improved regardless of the initial regimens. Thyroid function parallels with baseline risk stratification, and patients with baseline hypothyroidism have significantly inferior OS and PFS.

Irreversible Vasculopathy Proceeds Rapidly in POEMS Syndrome

A 48-year-old woman with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin change (POEMS) syndrome suddenly presented with numbness of her right upper limb. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple acute infarctions in her left cerebrum, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed multiple intra-cranial vascular lesions, which contrasted with previously normal MRA results obtained eight months prior to the stroke. After completing successful treatment for POEMS syndrome, there were no recurrent stroke episodes. A six-month follow-up scan showed that although the vascular lesions did not progress, they did not improve much either. POEMS syndrome is associated with the rapid extension of large blood vessels-vasculopathy-resulting in nearly irreversible brain lesions.

Sclerodermalike syndromes: Great imitators

Sclerodermalike syndromes (SLSs) comprise diseases with mucin deposition (eg, scleromyxedema, scleredema), with eosinophilia (eg, eosinophilic fasciitis), metabolic or biochemical abnormalities (eg, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis), or endocrine disorders (eg, POEMS syndrome, or polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal lymphoproliferative disorder, and hypothyroidism). Chronic graft-versus-host disease may also show sclerodermalike skin changes. Inherited progeria syndromes with early aging (eg, Werner syndrome) and a heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders with either skin thickening (eg, stiff skin syndrome) or atrophy and tightening (eg, acrogeria) can also imitate classic systemic sclerosis (SSc). In addition, SLSs can be provoked by several drugs, chemicals, or even physical injury (eg, trauma, vibration stress, radiation). In SLSs, the distribution of skin involvement seems to be atypical compared with SSc. The acral skin involvement is usually missing, and lack of Raynaud phenomenon, scleroderma-specific antinuclear antibodies, the absence of scleroderma capillary pattern, and internal organ manifestations indicate the presence of an SLS. Skin involvement is sometimes nodular, and the underlying tissues can also be affected. For the differential diagnosis, a skin biopsy of the deeper layers including fascia and muscle is required. Histology does not always allow differentiation between SSc and SLSs; therefore, the diagnosis is often based on the distribution, quality of cutaneous involvement, and other accompanying clinical features.

Peripheral Demyelinating Diseases: From Biology to Translational Medicine

Demyelinating diseases represent a spectrum of disorders that impose significant burden on global economy and society. Generally, the prognosis of these diseases is poor and there is no available cure. In recent decades, research has shed some light on the biology and physiology of Schwann cells and its neuroprotective effects in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Insults to the PNS by various infectious agents, genetic predisposition and immune-related mechanisms jeopardize Schwann cell functions and cause demyelination. To date, there are no effective and reliable biomarkers for PNS-related diseases. Here, we aim to review the following: pathogenesis of various types of peripheral demyelinating diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy, Anti-Myelin Associated Glycoprotein Neuropathy, POEMS syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; emerging novel biomarkers for peripheral demyelinating diseases, and Schwann cell associated markers for demyelination.

Improvement of thyroid function in POEMS syndrome after combination therapy of lenalidomide and dexamethasone

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in POEMS syndrome. In this single-center prospective study, 36 patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome were treated with lenalidomide (10 mg daily for 21 days) and dexamethasone (40mg once per week) for 12 cycles. Hypothyroidism was demonstrated in 58.5% (24/41) at baseline, including 25% (6/24) of clinical hypothyroidism and 75% (18/24) of subclinical hypothyroidism. After 12-month treatment, the percentages of clinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism had decreased 11.8% and 27.2%, respectively. Percentage of euthyroidism had increased from 41.5% to 80.5%. There was a strong relation between VEGF response and thyroid function improvement (p = .028). Patients with clinical hypothyroidism at baseline had an inferior 1-year OS (50% vs. 100%, p < .043) than euthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism groups. Clinical hypothyroidism was associated with decreased overall survival and this combination treatment was effective in improving thyroid function in POEMS syndrome.

Castleman disease of the hyaline vascular variant transforming to POEMS syndrome as endpoint: a case report

Background

POEMS syndrome is a rare neoplastic syndrome reflected by plasma cell disorder. It is composed by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes. It is also reported to associate with Castleman disease. The early identification and treatment are pivotal to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation

Here we report a 66-year-old man with treated Castleman disease developing with sequential presence of endocrinopathy polyneuropathy, skin changes, organomegaly and extravascular volume overload within 18 years, which was finally confirmed as POEMS syndrome by positive monoclonal protein. He was thereafter successfully treated with prednisone and azathioprine as primary therapy and thalidomide as maintenance therapy.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of POEMS is based on a cluster of disorder involved in varied organs. We report a rare case that triggers the need to consider POEMS syndrome diagnosis for patients carrying Castleman disease and polyneuropathy.

Clonal immunoglobulin λ light-chain gene rearrangements detected by next generation sequencing in POEMS syndrome

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, extravascular fluid overload, M protein, and a myriad of skin changes. The pathogenesis is poorly understood, but monoclonal plasma cells are λ-restricted and these immunoglobulin λ light chain variable (IGLV) region genes are derived from only two germlines, either IGLV1-44 or 1-40. Here we analyzed the clonal IGLV gene rearrangements of genomic DNA samples of bone marrow mononuclear cells using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to understand the clonal composition of IGLV genes in patients with POEMS syndrome (n = 30). The dominant IGLV gene rearrangement of POEMS syndrome-specific germline sequences were significantly increased in 11 POEMS patients (36.7%; IGLV1-44: n = 9, IGLV1-40: n = 2). In some cases, IGLV gene rearrangement clone was not detected as significant increase but was detected using cDNA samples by heteroduplex (HD) analysis and Sanger sequencing, suggesting that the quite small number of monoclonal plasma cells may produce large quantity of mRNA of monoclonal proteins. However, significant increase of dominant clone sizes was not directly linked to the initial disease status. On the other hand, in cases with significantly increased dominant clones, they decreased and increased accompanying with disease remission and relapse. These data demonstrate that monoclonal plasma cells are related to the pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome.

Castleman disease mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

RATIONALE

Castleman disease (CD) is a nonclonal lymphoproliferative disorder sometimes manifested systemic inflammatory symptoms. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized with multi-system involvement as well as broad spectrum of serum autoantibodies. When these two conditions happened to have similar clinical spectrum features, the confusion with each other occurred.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old man suffered from chronic fever, nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury, anemia, thrombocytopenia and serositis, as well as hypocomplementemia and negative anti-nuclear antibody.

DIAGNOSES

Meeting the classification criteria for SLE, the patient was diagnosed as SLE at first. The renal biopsy showed that he had endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with negative immunofluorescence. Finally, he was diagnosed with CD after lymph nodes biopsy.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with oral prednisone (50 mg daily) but got poor response. After being proved to have CD, he was treated with CHOP chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

His condition was controlled by CHOP chemotherapy. After six course of chemotherapy, the proteinuria disappeared.

LESSONS

If patients, even qualified by classification criteria of SLE, had negative autoantibody or unsatisfied response to the standard treatment, the original diagnosis should be suspected. The biopsy may be help to identify the final criminals, such as CD.

POEMS syndrome: diagnostic delay and successful treatment with lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide and prednisone followed by autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare systemic disease, often unrecognised in the primary care setting. POEMS syndrome is associated with plasma cell dyscrasias and upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor leading to systemic oedema, papilloedema and pulmonary hypertension. A wide constellation of presenting symptoms often leads to late diagnosis. Unrecognised and untreated disease rapidly leads to death from neuropathic exhaustion or cardiopulmonary failure. Treatment is extrapolated from other plasma cell dyscrasias such as multiple myeloma. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is often an important component of treatment. There is no established standard of care for POEMS syndrome. Therapies include lenalidomide, bortezomib and targeted monoclonal antibodies. We present a patient with POEMS syndrome who achieved rapid complete response to triple therapy consisting of lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide and prednisone, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and PBSCT.

Neurologic Complications of Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Paraproteinemias

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the spectrum of neurologic complications associated with lymphoma, leukemia, and paraproteinemic disorders. While leptomeningeal metastasis is the most common complication of lymphoma and leukemia and peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of paraproteinemic disorders, clinicians need to be familiar with the diverse neurologic complications of these disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lymphomatous nervous system involvement can be difficult to diagnose, especially when it is the presenting symptom. CSF cytology and flow cytometry, as well as the imaging pattern, assist in diagnosis. Neurologic complications are less common in Hodgkin lymphoma; however, some unique paraneoplastic syndromes are associated with Hodgkin lymphoma, including primary central nervous system angiitis, limbic encephalitis, and cerebellar degeneration. Recent reports suggest that anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antibodies are associated with limbic encephalitis and that anti-Tr antibodies are associated with cerebellar degeneration in Hodgkin lymphoma. Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is often misdiagnosed as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). A lambda protein, thrombocytosis, and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can all be helpful clues in diagnosis. Early recognition is important, as the neuropathy responds to radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

SUMMARY

Neurologic involvement can occur throughout the disease course in lymphoma and leukemia, including at presentation, with systemic progression, and at relapse. In paraproteinemias, the peripheral neuropathy phenotype, monoclonal protein type, and associated autonomic and systemic features aid in identification of an underlying plasma cell disorder.

Flushing Disorders Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Part 1, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Mast Cell Disorders and Hyperbasophila

Flushing is the subjective sensation of warmth accompanied by visible cutaneous erythema occurring throughout the body with a predilection for the face, neck, pinnae, and upper trunk where the skin is thinnest and cutaneous vessels are superficially located and in greatest numbers. Flushing can be present in either a wet or dry form depending upon whether neural-mediated mechanisms are involved. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system results in wet flushing, accompanied by diaphoresis, due to concomitant stimulation of eccrine sweat glands. Wet flushing is caused by certain medications, panic disorder and paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD). Vasodilator mediated flushing due to the formation and release of a variety of biogenic amines, neuropeptides and phospholipid mediators such as histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins, respectively, typically presents as dry flushing where sweating is characteristically absent. Flushing occurring with neuroendocrine tumors accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms is generally of the dry flushing variant, which may be an important clinical clue to the differential diagnosis. A number of primary diseases of the gastrointestinal tract cause flushing, and conversely extra-intestinal conditions are associated with flushing and gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastrointestinal findings vary and include one or more of the following non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. The purpose of this review is to provide a focused comprehensive discussion on the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and management of those diseases that arise from the gastrointestinal tract or other site that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms secondarily accompanied by flushing. This review is divided into two parts given the scope of conditions that cause flushing and affect the gastrointestinal tract: Part 1 covers neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, pheochromocytomas, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid), polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes (POEMS), and conditions involving mast cells and basophils; while Part 2 covers dumping syndrome, mesenteric traction syndrome, rosacea, hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm, anaphylaxis, panic disorders, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder, and food, alcohol and medications.

A prospective phase II study of low dose lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma dyscrasia without standard treatment. This phase II prospective trial evaluates the safety and response of 12 cycles of low dose lenalidomide (10 mg) plus dexamethasone (Rdex) in patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome. Forty-one patients (28 men) were enrolled and the median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range, 21-70 years). Twenty-one patients (46%) achieved complete hematologic response and the neurologic response rate was 95%. The median serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) declined from 5155 pg/mL (range, 534-14 328 pg/mL) to 832 pg/mL (95-6254 pg/mL) after therapy. The overall VEGF response rate was 83%, and the median time to response was 2 months, with a mean VEGF reduction of 43% at the first month. In terms of clinical response, Rdex substantially relieved extravascular volume overload, organomegaly, and pulmonary hypertension. No treatment-related deaths occurred and no patients suffered from lenalidomide-related grade 3 or above adverse events. After a median follow-up of 34 months, median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not reached, with an estimated 3-year OS and PFS of 90% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion, Rdex was active with high hematologic, VEGF and organ response rate and well tolerated for patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01816620.

Atypical central retinal artery occlusion as the first presentation of POEMS syndrome: a case report

Background

POEMS syndrome is a plasma cell disorder, which clinically manifests from paraneoplastic syndrome: polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes. The most common ocular manifestation is optic disc swelling, whereas other ocular manifestations; cystoid macular edema, serous macular detachment, venous sinus thrombosis, infiltrative orbitopathy, uveitis, neovascularization of the disc, peripapillary choroidal neovascularization and optic disc drusen, had also been reported.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old Thai man presented with 5-day sudden painless visual loss in the left eye. Ocular examination revealed visual acuity of 20/20 and no light perception in the right and left eye, respectively. Right fundoscopic examination was significant for hyperemic generalized optic disc swelling. Left fundoscopic examination revealed opaque and edematous entire retina giving the appearance of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) along with pallid “chalky white” optic disc swelling. Fluorescein angiography showed profound leakage of bilateral optic nerve heads and arteriolar filling defect in macular area along with leakage of small retinal arterioles in the left eye. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated choroidal filling defect in the left eye only. Neuroimaging showed enhancement and luminal narrowing of left internal carotid artery, early subacute watershed infarctions in the left cerebral hemisphere and pachymeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed high protein level with normal opening pressure. Intravenous methylprednisolone was initially started without any benefit. After extensive investigations, diagnosis of “POEMS syndrome” was made based on polyneuropathy, elevated lambda light chain level, elevated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatomegaly, spinal sclerotic bone lesions, and thrombocytosis. Furthermore, sural nerve biopsy demonstrated neuropathy and positive VEGF staining. He was treated with eight cycles of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (BorCyDex). Polyneuropathy and thrombocytosis had remarkably improved after 2nd cycle, whereas, visual impairment had shown no recovery. Hepatomegaly was significantly reduced after the completion of BorCyDex. Our case eventually received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with high dose melphalan.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, we illustrated the first patient given CRAO as the first presentation and ocular finding ever reported in POEMS syndrome. Both cerebral and ocular infarctions were presumably the result of VEGF-induced cranial vasculopathy as evidenced by neuroimaging.

Clinical, laboratory and imaging findings in Castleman's disease - The subtype decides

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with its distinct unicentric (uCD) and multicentric (mCD) entities. The present work aimed at characterizing CD in more detail. From the 775 articles found by a PubMed search, 1133 cases were extracted. Two own cases were included. UCD was identified in 719 (42% males) and mCD in 416 (63% males) cases. Age in uCD was 34±17 and in mCD 48±18years. The hyaline-vascular type predominated in uCD and the plasma cell type in mCD. Clinical symptoms were more common in mCD. The head and neck region was most frequently affected in uCD and the axillary region in mCD. Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) positivity was higher in mCD. In CT scans, high contrast enhancement and calcifications were more frequent in uCD (all p<0.0001). The two forms of CD not only differ markedly in their clinical, laboratory and imaging findings, but also in treatment response and prognosis.

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.

OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH POEMS SYNDROME

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and ocular manifestations in Chinese patients with POEMS syndrome.

METHODS

This is a prospective study. Forty-one treatment-naive patients were enrolled from April 2014 to November 2014. Among the 41 patients, 40 had complete ocular examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography scan, and serum VEGF measurement before treatment and every 3-month interval after lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients had optic disk edema (ODE) at baseline. Retinal manifestations included retinal hemorrhage, subretinal fluid, macular edema, and cotton wool spot. The difference in mean serum VEGF concentrations between patients with and without ODE was significant (P = 0.017). Among patients with ODE, there was a significant positive correlation between mean serum VEGF levels and the binocular mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (P = 0.008), as well as mean peripapillary retinal thickness (P = 0.020) before treatment. After 3 months to 17 months treatment, mean serum VEGF concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and mean peripapillary retinal thickness decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The remission rate of ODE was 87.5%, and complete remission rate was 58.3%.

CONCLUSION

The ODE is a common manifestation in POEMS syndrome, and raised VEGF might explain the development and mechanism. Systemic treatment could lead to decrease in serum VEGF levels accompanied by regression of ODE.

The Peripheral Neuropathies of POEMS Syndrome and Castleman Disease

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disorder. The polyneuropathy can be the presenting symptom and is typically a painful, motor-predominant polyradiculoneuropathy often mimicking chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. The presence of a lambda monoclonal protein, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor, systemic features, and treatment resistance are clues to the diagnosis. Castleman disease (CD) is seen in a subset of these patients, and when present the neuropathy is similar but less severe. In contrast, in those patients with purely CD, the neuropathy is often a mild, painless distal sensory neuropathy.

Lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with POEMS syndrome: results of a prospective, open-label trial

Given its anti-angiogenic activity, lenalidomide may have a role in the treatment of POEMS (Peripheral neuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal plasma cell disorder and Skin changes) syndrome. This prospective, open-label, pilot study evaluated the combination of lenalidomide + dexamethasone (RD) in 18 POEMS syndrome patients (13 pre-treated, 5 newly-diagnosed but ineligible for high-dose therapy). Treatment consisted of six cycles of lenalidomide (25 mg/day for 21 days followed by 7 days rest) plus dexamethasone (40 mg/once a week). Patients responding after six cycles continued treatment until progression or unbearable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with either neurological or clinical improvement. The RD combination was considered as deserving further evaluation if 9 of the first 15 patients responded. Ten responses were observed among the first 15 enrolled patients, meeting the primary endpoint. Fifteen of 18 patients (83%) completed six RD cycles: 13 (72%) patients responded and nine had both clinical and neurological improvement. Among the 15 patients who completed the six RD cycles, four were still on treatment after a 25-month follow-up. At 39 months of follow-up, all patients were alive with a 3-year progression-free survival of 59%. No patient discontinued RD for toxicity. Overall, the RD regimen showed a high incidence of prolonged symptoms improvement and was well tolerated in most POEMS patients.

Clinicopathological features of progressive renal involvement in TAFRO syndrome: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

TAFRO syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by a constellation of symptoms: Thrombocytopenia, Anasarca, MyeloFibrosis, Renal dysfunction, and Organomegaly. Progressive renal insufficiency is a predominant symptom; however, the mechanism of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear, probably because severe thrombocytopenia prevents kidney biopsy. We report a rare case of TAFRO syndrome with histologically confirmed renal involvement.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

A 70-year-old man developed fever, anasarca, AKI, thrombocytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly.

DIAGNOSES

Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and serum interleukin-6 levels were significantly elevated. The diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome was made based on his clinical and laboratory findings. Kidney biopsy was performed for the evaluation of AKI and provided a diagnosis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis-like lesions due to endothelial injury. Glomerular capillary lumens were extremely narrowed or occluded by endothelial swelling, and marked widening of the subendothelial space by electron-lucent material resulted in mesangiolysis and a double-contoured glomerular basement membrane with no immune complex deposits.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The patient required temporary hemodialysis due to oliguric AKI, but steroid therapy rapidly improved renal function.

LESSONS

Typically, patients with progressive renal involvement in TAFRO syndrome rapidly develop oliguric or anuric AKI. This report suggests that the reduction of glomerular perfusion by glomerular endothelial injury might be a primary factor in the progressive AKI of TAFRO syndrome. Our case and the literature review indicate that steroid and/or biological therapies result in highly favorable renal outcomes in patients with progressive AKI in TAFRO syndrome.

Alcohol Misuse Link to POEMS Syndrome in a Patient

Previously called Crow–Fukase syndrome, POEMS syndrome is characterized by poly-neuropathy, osteo-sclerotic myeloma, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes. Extremely elevated levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are characteristic of the syndrome. Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections can also be present in POEMS. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood. The link between chronic alcohol consumption and this malignant condition has not been reported until now. In addition, no previous study has evaluated the influence of cytokine and chemokines or viruses in the severity and evolution of POEMS. Objectives: (1) to describe a heavy-alcohol user, who was diagnosed with POEMS; (2) to demonstrate the utility of quantitative measurement of serum levels of VEGF in the diagnosis of POEMS and the monitoring of therapeutic interventions; (3) to demonstrate that overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a characteristic of POEMS. Methods: We describe a case of a POEMS patient presenting HCV and who is a heavy drinker; we compare the serum levels of cytokines and chemokines between the POEMS patient with 80 patients with HCV, 12 healthy controls, and 80 individuals with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We quantified (ELISA pg/mL) the levels of VEGF, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Regulated-upon-Activation Normal-T-cell-Expressed and presumably-Secreted (RANTES), and Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NFκB). Results: In POEMS patients, VEGF levels were elevated versus control or other diseases, TNFα levels were higher versus control, but lower when compared with HCV or ALD patients. VEGF levels in POEMS patients decreased with therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: Chronic alcohol misuse can be a strong risk factor to rare malignancies such as POEMS syndrome. Extreme elevation of VEGF levels is diagnostic for POEMS syndrome, and should be followed to assess response to therapy. In addition, other comorbidities should be considered individually to ensure personalized therapeutic intervention.

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and the role of lenalidomide in patients affected by poems syndrome

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic condition, with a poorly understood pathogenesis. High dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been reported to be an effective therapeutic option for patients with good performance status. Here, we review the role of ASCT for POEMS syndrome and discuss indications together with advantages and disadvantages, and related issues such lenalidomide given before or after ASCT, VEGF levels as a marker of disease, and different regimens for stem cell mobilization.

POEMS SYNDROME: an Update

POEMS syndrome is a rare, chronic and disabling condition. The causes of this condition remain unknown; however, chronic overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines appears to be a major contributor. Early diagnosis is essential to start treatment before the clinical state of the patient becomes compromised. A complete evaluation of the disease at its onset is critical to the treatment decision. In localized disease, curative doses of radiation (50 Gy) is the recommended therapy. On the other hand, patients with disseminated disease should be given systemic therapy. Treatment-related morbidity can be minimized by an efficient induction therapy that modifies the cytokine status, improving clinical condition and control disease severity before mobilization and transplantation. Patients not suitable for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are usually treated with alkylator-based therapy. Novel agents may also offer benefits to patients with a poor performance status or renal dysfunction, and induce transplantation eligibility. Given the biological characteristics of POEMS, immunomodulatory effects and the absence of neurotoxicity, lenalidomide appears to be an effective therapy for the treatment of POEMS, both as short induction therapy before PBSCT and in non-transplant eligible patients, as it showed high response rate and durable responses. At present, however, guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of POEMS are not available and appear advocated.

Ischemic stroke in patients with POEMS syndrome: a case report and comprehensive analysis of literature

Background

POEMS syndrome is a rare multi-systemic disease characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes. Arterial or venous thrombosis is a less-common complication of POEMS syndrome. Ischemic stroke has also been reported sporadically. However, the association between POEMS syndrome and ischemic stroke has not been entirely understood.

Methods

A case of ischemic stroke caused by cerebral vasculitis in a patient with POEMS syndrome was presented. Then a comprehensive review and analysis of the literature were performed.

Results

A total of 28 patients were identified. The common clinical manifestations of POEMS syndrome were rather non-specific in patients with ischemic stroke compared with those of patients without ischemic stroke. Twenty patients were found with multiple ischemic lesions (71.5%). In the 25 patients who had undergone the evaluation of cerebral arteries, nineteen patients (76.0%) were found with cerebral vasculopathy. Twelve patients (48.0%) had more than one cerebral artery involved. Ischemic events were documented in 8 patients even when they were undergoing all the therapy for ischemic stroke. Ten (55.6%) of the 18 patients who had survival data died within two years after stroke events.

Conclusion

Comprehensive analysis of literature revealed several trends in patients with ischemic stroke and POEMS syndrome including a low survival rate and a preponderance of cerebral vasculopathy and multiple cerebral arteries affected. Ischemic stroke may be a poor outcome predictor in patients with POEMS syndrome. Further researches focusing on a larger cohort may help in better characterizing and treating this rare complication of POEMS syndrome.

POEMS syndrome: a rare cause of exudative ascites and chronic peripheral neuropathy

POEMS syndrome (Peripheral neuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein, Skin changes) is a rare plasma cell disorder with multisystem involvementA 40-year-old man with a chronic history of unexplained peripheral neuropathy , presented with exudative ascites.He was found to have an incidental osteolytic lesion of the sacrum proven to be a plasmacytoma. Immunoelectrophoresis for monoclonal protein was negative.In addition, the patient was found to have hepatosplenomegaly, erectile dysfunction, hyperprolactinaemia and hypothyroidism.The patient, was given steroid along with lenalidomide, and showed a good clinical response.

Osteolytic-variant POEMS syndrome: an uncommon presentation of "osteosclerotic" myeloma

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, a form of osteosclerotic myeloma, is a multisystem disease related to a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder. Osseous lesions are most commonly sclerotic on radiographs and computed tomography (CT), demonstrate low T1 and T2 signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and have variable degrees of avidity on positon emission tomography (PET) imaging using 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG). We present three cases of POEMS syndrome manifesting as osteolytic lesions with indolent features, including well-defined thin sclerotic rims, no cortical disruption or periosteal reaction, no associated soft-tissue mass, and a periarticular location, all features that could lead to misinterpretation as benign bone lesions. We also report increased T1 signal and diffuse solid enhancement of these lesions on MRI, features previously unreported. POEMS syndrome should not be discounted as a diagnostic consideration in the setting of osteolytic lesions with non-aggressive imaging characteristics on radiographs or CT, especially in the presence of other supportive clinical features.

Electrophysiologic features of POEMS syndrome compared with MGUS-related neuropathy

INTRODUCTION

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are paraproteinemic disorders that can cause demyelinating polyneuropathy. Herein we assessed the findings of nerve conduction studies (NCS) in patients with POEMS syndrome and MGUS-related neuropathy to determine whether the NCS characteristics can help differentiate between these conditions.

METHODS

We enrolled 24 POEMS and 37 MGUS-related neuropathy patients. NCS parameters, including compound muscle action potential (CMAP), motor conduction velocity (MCV), and terminal latency index (TLI), were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with MGUS-related neuropathy patients, POEMS syndrome patients demonstrated a greater reduction in both the upper and lower limb CMAPs and a greater reduction in the median and ulnar MCVs. The TLIs were significantly higher in POEMS patients.

DISCUSSION

NCS can help distinguish POEMS syndrome from MGUS-related neuropathy. Reduced CMAPs, slow MCVs, and high TLIs are indicative of POEMS syndrome rather than MGUS-related neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 56: E73-E77, 2017.

Monoclonal Gammopathy-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis and Management

Monoclonal gammopathies comprise a spectrum of clonal plasma cell disorders that include monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. In this review, we outline the epidemiology, etiology, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of monoclonal gammopathy-associated peripheral neuropathy. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is relatively common in the general population, with a prevalence of 3% to 4% among individuals older than age 50 years. Therefore, the presence of M protein in a patient with neuropathy does not automatically indicate a causal relationship. Monoclonal gammopathy-associated peripheral neuropathy is often a difficult diagnosis with limited treatment options. Studies addressing the optimal approach to diagnosis and management of this entity are limited. In addition to a review of the literature, we present a diagnostic approach to patients with monoclonal gammopathy-associated peripheral neuropathy and discuss available data and options for treatment.

Diagnosis and management of neuropathies associated with plasma cell dyscrasias

Neuropathies associated with plasma cell dyscrasias are a major cause of morbidity for patients managed by medical oncologists. Because of similarities in clinical presentation and on nerve conduction studies, identifying the underlying disease leading to a paraproteinemic neuropathy can often be difficult. In addition, the degree of neurologic deficit does not strictly correlate with the extent of abnormalities on common clinical laboratory testing. Fortunately, with increasing understanding into the biologic mechanisms of underlying hematologic diseases, additional biomarkers have recently been developed, thus improving our diagnostic capacity. Neuropathies associated with plasma cells dyscrasias are seen with Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) particularly IgM subtype, followed by IgG and IgA MGUS, multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, amyloid, Castleman's disease, and POEMS syndrome. The mechanisms of neuronal injury associated with plasma cell dyscrasia vary based on underlying diagnosis and include malignant infiltration, immune-mediated antibody deposition, or local compression of nerve roots. The polyneuropathies are frequently demyelinating, although axonal and mixed neuropathies can also be seen. As demonstrated by the cases included in this review, patients frequently present with symmetric sensory disturbance, followed by progressive motor weakness. Unfortunately, because of the complexity of diagnostic testing, patients are frequently examined late, often after receiving several ineffective therapies. The aim of this case-based review is to provide clinicians with insight on how to properly recognize these atypical neuropathies and send the appropriate diagnostic work, increasing the likelihood of accurately classify the patient's underlying hematologic disorder.

Salvage therapy with lenalidomide containing regimen for relapsed/refractory Castleman disease: a report of three cases

Castleman disease (CD) is uncommon non-clonal lymphoproliferative disorder with unknown etiology. No standard therapy is recommended for relapsed/refractory CD patients, thus requiring development of novel experimental approaches. Our cohort of three adult patients with multicentric CD (MCD) were treated with refractory to traditional chemotherapy lenalidomide-containing regimens (10-25 mg lenalidomide perorally administered on days 1-21 in 28-day cycle) as second- to fourth-line treatment. Partial remission was achieved in first plasma-cell CD patient, who relapsed seven months after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and then failed to respond to four cycles of chemotherapy. Partial remission was obtained in second patient with CD and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome. Third case showed complete remission with complete disappearance of pleural effusion and ascites and normalization of platelet count. To conclude, encouraging clinical responses were achieved in cohort of three patients with lenalidomide-based regimen, though long-term efficacy remains to be observed.We propose further investigation of therapeutic potential of this drug in treating MCD.