Development of Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M Protein, and Skin Changes Syndrome after Conversion from Plasmacytoma of Bone to Multiple Myeloma

A 36-year-old man developed polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome after conversion from solitary plasmacytoma of bone to multiple myeloma. Twenty-four days following the neurological onset, he lost his independent walking ability. The level of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at diagnosis was 5,250 pg/mL. Three months after initiating treatment, he regained his independent walking ability in line with a reduction in the elevated serum VEGF level. Due to their genomic instability gained during conversion, myeloma cells may overproduce humoral factors and cytokines, possibly contributing to the development of neuropathy as well as the production of VEGF.

Automated summary

A 36-year-old man developed POEMS syndrome after converting from solitary plasmacytoma of bone to multiple myeloma. He lost his independent walking ability 24 days after neurological onset. Treatment led to a reduction in serum VEGF level and subsequent regain of independent walking ability.