Korean J Gastroenterol.
2002 Sep;40(3):209-213.
A Case of POEMS Syndrome Presenting as Massive Ascites
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Kuri Hospital, Guri, Korea. hands@hanyang.ac.kr
- 2Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Kuri Hospital, Guri, Korea.
Abstract
- POEMS syndrome is a rare multisystemic disorder characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, various forms of endocrinopathy, monoclonal proteins, and skin changes. Although there is no established definition of this syndrome, classic common features are considered to be secondary to the plasma cell dyscrasia with the production of a monoclonal component. Anasarca including ascites, peripheral edema, and pleural effusion occurs frequently in POEMS syndrome, but the cases with massive or refractory ascites have rarely been reported. We report a patient with POEMS syndrome whose main clinical problem was massive ascites, with a review of the literature.
