Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 2 | Published: Feb 29, 2020 | Pages: 65 - 69 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1560698497
POEMS syndrome: atypical presentation and therapeutic consideration
Authors: Ayman S. Abukamar , Majdi M. Abu-Awida , Saeed M. Abughazaleh , Ahmad R. Abdallah , Hamza M. Al-Zghool
Article Info
Authors
Ayman S. Abukamar
Hematology and Oncology Department, Royal Medical Services of Jordanian Army (RMS), Amman, Jordan
Majdi M. Abu-Awida
Neurology Department, Royal Medical Services of Jordanian Army (RMS), Amman, Jordan
Saeed M. Abughazaleh
Student at Medical School, Hashemite University, Jerash, Jordan
Ahmad R. Abdallah
Internship in University of Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Hamza M. Al-Zghool
Student at Medical School, Hashemite University, Jerash, Jordan
Publication History
Received: June 16, 2019
Revised: February 05, 2020
Accepted: February 08, 2020
Published: February 29, 2020
Abstract
Background: Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia, which could be presented as treatment-resistant polyneuropathy before the emergence of other systemic complications. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old male patient presented with progressive lower limb weakness and difficulty in walking, in addition to erectile dysfunction. After the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome, the patient was treated according to the standardized chemotherapeutic regimen for multiple myeloma that includes lenalidomide, without considering the increased risk of thromboembolic complications given that the patient had decreased ambulation due to his polyneuropathy and polycythemia. This warrants a better treatment regimen for these patients to eliminate any possible episode of thromboembolic complications, which might become fatal in the future. Conclusion: Although rare, it was recommended that deep vein thrombosis risk and its link to the proper treatment plan in patients with POEMS syndrome should be studied further.
Keywords: Case report, POEMS, polyneuropathy, thromboembolic, polycythemia, lenalidomide, green
