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A man with worsening weakness
G Proietti1, M Puliti, F Tulli
1Divisione di Medicina-Emodialisi, Ospedale Bernardini, Azienda Sanitaria Locale RMG, Palestrina, Roma.
Minerva Medica
|April 26, 2000
Summary
POEMS syndrome, a rare disorder, can present with hypoparathyroidism, leading to rhabdomyolysis. This case highlights a 74-year-old man diagnosed with POEMS syndrome and hypoparathyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- POEMS syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes.
- Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are implicated in POEMS syndrome pathogenesis.
- Endocrinopathies are common, with diabetes being the most frequent; hypoparathyroidism is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with leg weakness, found to have rhabdomyolysis secondary to hypoparathyroidism.
- The patient also exhibited organomegaly, distal leg neuropathy, and a monoclonal light chain band on protein electrophoresis.
- These clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with POEMS syndrome.
Findings:
- This case report details a rare presentation of POEMS syndrome associated with hypoparathyroidism and subsequent rhabdomyolysis.
- The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of key POEMS criteria: organomegaly, neuropathy, and monoclonal gammopathy.
- This underscores the diverse endocrine manifestations of POEMS syndrome.
Implications:
- Recognizing hypoparathyroidism as a potential endocrinopathy in POEMS syndrome is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Early identification of POEMS syndrome can prevent severe complications like rhabdomyolysis.
- Further research into the link between POEMS syndrome and parathyroid dysfunction is warranted.