Plasma-cell dyscrasia with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes: the POEMS syndrome. Distinctive radiographic abnormalities.

Abstract

Three patients with an unusual multisystemic syndrome characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly *especially hepatosplenomegaly), endocrine dysfunction, M-protein, and skin abnormalities (POEMS syndrome) are discussed. Characteristic radiographic features include single or multiple osteosclerotic lesions and peculiar variety of bony proliferation. The relationship of the disorder to multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma and the pathogenesis of the skeletal abnormalities remain obscure.