CT characteristics in 24 patients with POEMS syndrome

POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein, and Skin changes) syndrome is a complicated and rare disease. Systematic research on computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics in POEMS syndrome is scanty. The role of CT in diagnosis needs to be assessed.

To retrospectively analyze the CT imaging features in 24 patients with POEMS syndrome and evaluate the role of CT in diagnosis of this disease.

Twenty-four patients with confirmed POEMS syndrome were included in the study. Chest and abdominal CT images were analyzed.

The three minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome (extravascular volume overload, organomegaly, and bone lesions) can be detected effectively by CT. Extravascular volume overload involved multiple serous cavities: hydrothorax, hydropericardium, and ascites, which were found in 79.2%, 41.7%, and 54.2% patients, respectively. The volume of effusion was small to moderate. Organomegaly involved multiorgans: hepatomegaly was found in 45.8% patients, splenomegaly in 54.2%, and lymphadenopathy in 75% patients. Hepatospleen exhibited moderate homogeneous enlargement without local enhanced signal after injection of contrast material. Bone lesions were classified into three groups: osteosclerotic, osteolytic, and mixed lesions. Osteosclerotic lesions, taking multiple, scattered, and variably sized high-density plaque-like appearance, were found in 20.8% patients. Osteolytic lesions, exhibiting punched-out low-density image, were found in 4.2% patients. Mixed ones, holding both common characteristics of them, were detected in 8.3% patients. These CT abnormalities disappeared after effective treatment.

CT plays vital role in the confirmation of the three minor diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome: extravascular volume overload, organomegaly, and bone lesions.