[Unusual cause of ascites: the POEMS syndrome]

A 39-year-old woman presented with polyneuropathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein and skin changes, several of the many clinical features of the recently described POEMS syndrome. In addition, she had a Castleman's disease (angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia). In this case ascites was a main presenting feature. Thus, the POEMS syndrome must be added to the list of rare causes of ascites. Electron microscopy of the liver showed perisinusoidal fibrosis.