Related Experiment Videos
POEMS syndrome associated with ischemic stroke
Kyusik Kang1, Kon Chu, Dong-Eog Kim
1Department of Neurology and the Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Neuroscience Research Institute of Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Korea.
Archives of Neurology
|May 21, 2003
Summary
Elevated fibrinogen levels may contribute to stroke in patients with POEMS syndrome. This study observed end artery border-zone infarcts in patients with POEMS syndrome and high fibrinogen, suggesting a potential link.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- POEMS syndrome is a rare plasma cell disorder with multisystemic effects.
- Acute ischemic strokes are rarely reported in POEMS syndrome, with unknown pathophysiology.
- Elevated interleukin-6 and fibrinogen are implicated in cerebrovascular disease.
Observation:
- This case series describes neuroimaging and fibrinogen levels in three POEMS syndrome patients with acute cerebral infarction.
- Methods included MRI, DWI, MRA, TCD, and analysis of serum fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels.
- Retrospective data on pre-stroke fibrinogen levels were collected.
Findings:
- All patients exhibited elevated fibrinogen levels.
- Two patients showed unilateral or bilateral end artery border-zone infarcts on MRI.
- Elevated serum fibrinogen levels were noted prior to stroke in two patients.
Implications:
- POEMS syndrome is associated with stroke, specifically end artery border-zone infarctions.
- Elevated fibrinogen may play a role in the stroke pathogenesis of POEMS syndrome.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the link between POEMS syndrome, fibrinogen, and cerebrovascular events.