POEMS syndrome: an unusual cause of bilateral optic disk swelling.
OBJECTIVE
To alert ophthalmologists to POEMS syndrome as an unusual cause of optic disk swelling.


METHODS
Case report. A 25-year-old white woman developed scotomata and optic disk swelling, and systemic signs and symptoms of POEMS syndrome.


RESULTS
Bone marrow biopsy disclosed multiple myeloma. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, radiation, and marrow transplantation, the patient died from multi-organ failure.


CONCLUSIONS
Because POEMS syndrome typically affects older male patients, this is an unusual case of multiple myeloma in conjunction with POEMS syndrome.
Wong
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VA
Department of Ophthalomology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, Canada. anthonyw@unixg.ubc.ca
Wade
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NK
D000328:Adult; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology*; D016878:POEMS Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012607:Scotoma / Q000209:etiology