endocrine and metabolic disorders
POEMS Syndrome
Diagnosis of POEMS Syndrome
Like other syndromes of undefined pathophysiology, POEMS syndrome is diagnosed based on the constellation of symptoms, signs and laboratory findings. Patients must have both mandatory criteria and ≥ 1 major and ≥ 1 minor criteria. Mandatory criteria (both): Polyneuropathy Evidence of monoclonal plasma cell proliferation Major criteria (≥ 1): Castleman disease Elevated level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Sclerotic bone lesions Minor criteria (≥ 1): Endocrinopathy (other than diabetes and hypothyroidism) Extravascular volume overload (eg, ascites, peripheral edema, pleural effusion) Organomegaly Papilledema Skin changes Thrombocytosis or polycythemia 