[Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes: the POEMS syndrome]

We present a case of an unusual multi-systematic disorder whose cardinal signs were severe progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy, hepatomegaly, endocrinopathy, plasma cell dyscrasia with osteosclerotic bone lesions and M-protein production as well as skin lesions (termed POEMS Syndrome) whose pathophysiology is still unknown, as well as its relationship with myeloma multiplex. The patient, 67 years old, had a history of progressive weakness and numbness of the lower legs, clinically revealed as sensomotor polyneuropathy, hepatomegaly, IgG lambda monoclonal protein in the serum, endocrine abnormalities and skin lesions. The final and definite diagnosis was established by open, surgical biopsy of the second lumbal vertebra.