Abstract
POEMS syndrome is rare multi-system disorder characterised by a paraneoplastic plasma cell disorder. The acronym POEMS stands for Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M protein, and Skin changes. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, but chronic overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines have an integral role in the disorder. Diagnosis of POEMS is difficult owing to the variety of clinical manifestations. Mandatory diagnostic criteria are (a) one major criterion of either polyneuropathy or monoclonal gammopathy, in association with (b) one minor criterion including, but not limited to, organomegaly, endocrinopathy or skin changes. Endocrinopathies have been identified in 67–84% of patients with POEMS [1]. While hypogonadism and hypothyroidism are relatively common, primary adrenal failure is rarely reported. We present a 54-year-old woman who was found to have a raised hemoglobin, hematocrit and thrombocytosis on routine blood testing. She was concomitantly investigated for a rapidly-ascending, bilateral peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy. Diagnosis of POEMS was made and she underwent chemotherapy with Lenalidomide and high dose dexamethasone in 2015. Since then, she has not received endogenous glucocorticoids. She had an unplanned admission in April 2020 with a likely viral illness and was found to be glucocorticoid deplete. A 250-mcg short synacthen test demonstrated an inadequate response in cortisol, from 4.31 µg/dl to 6.13 µg/dl, with a raised adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) level of 66 mU/L. Adrenal antibodies were not detected. CT scan of the abdomen reported no adrenal gland abnormalities. The patient denied symptoms of mineralocorticoid deficiency, with no postural blood pressure (BP) drop - sitting BP 123/69 mmHg and standing BP 131/74 mmHg. Serum electrolytes were normal (renin and aldosterone levels are pending) and androgen screen was within normal limits. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 8.07 mIU/L, free thyroxine (fT4) levels 0.93 ng/dL, and thyroid receptor and thyroid peroxidase antibodies were both negative. The patient is now established on Hydrocortisone therapy: 10mg (morning), 5mg (lunchtime). In summary, we present a 54-year-old woman with POEMS syndrome with subacute primary adrenal failure, characterised by glucocorticoid deficiency and ACTH excess. Although rare, it is important for all clinicians to be aware of POEMS syndrome as a potential diagnosis if the diagnostic criteria described above are filled, and for Endocrinologists to be aware that POEMS endocrinopathies can occur in any gland, including the adrenal glands.
1.Gandhi, G.Y., et al., Endocrinopathy in POEMS syndrome: the Mayo Clinic experience. Mayo Clin Proc, 2007. 82(7): p. 836–42.
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