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POEMS Syndrome — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardPeripheral Neuropathy & NeuromuscularPOEMS SyndromeSCE Neurology

A man labelled as CIDP has distal demyelinating polyneuropathy, an IgA-lambda paraprotein, thrombocytosis, papilloedema and a sclerotic iliac lesion. VEGF is markedly raised. Which conclusion follows accepted POEMS criteria?

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Correct answer: E — POEMS syndrome fulfilling its required diagnostic criteria

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as C

E is correct. Polyneuropathy and a monoclonal plasma-cell disorder are mandatory. A sclerotic lesion and elevated VEGF are other major criteria; thrombocytosis and papilloedema are minor criteria. Both mandatory criteria plus at least one other major and one minor establish the syndrome. Not every acronym feature is required, and osteosclerosis is characteristic.

Reference: POEMS syndrome clinical update: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6342878/