Secondary Neuropathy From Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Gammopathy, and Skin Changes (POEMS) Syndrome: A Case Report

We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms of distal sensory polyneuropathy. Her initial electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) showed a severe length-dependent neuropathy with uniform demyelination and secondary axonal changes. After extensive evaluation for secondary causes, she was ultimately found to have polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. She underwent treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, followed by an autologous stem cell transplant, and is now doing well with marked improvement in her function. This case emphasizes the importance of evaluating for secondary causes of polyneuropathy and provides a brief overview of POEMS syndrome.