POEMS syndrome--a case for more aggressive treatment.
- Author:
Rahul RATHAKRISHNAN
1
;
Te-Chih LIU
;
Yee-Cheun CHAN
;
Benjamin K C ONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- MeSH: Gastrointestinal Diseases; etiology; physiopathology; Humans; Immunologic Factors; therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; POEMS Syndrome; complications; drug therapy; radiotherapy; Treatment Outcome
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2007;36(6):435-437
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONPatients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal or M-protein and skin changes) syndrome exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations and are often seen by a variety of specialists prior to diagnosis.
CLINICAL PICTUREWe describe a case of POEMS syndrome that first presented with significant neuropathy but progressed to develop further manifestations of the condition, including marked gastrointestinal symptoms.
TREATMENTThe patient was commenced on localised radiotherapy and chemotherapy in addition to immunomodulatory therapy for the neuropathy.
CONCLUSIONWe highlight several learning points that may benefit physicians from varied specialties. This case is also unique for its marked gastrointestinal manifestation. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case in the literature with this feature.