POEMS syndrome complicated by follicular lymphoma

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2009 Nov;50(11):1621-5.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman presented with ascites and intraperitoneal lymph node swelling. Pathological examination of the lymph node revealed follicular lymphoma. After a lymph node biopsy, she developed atypical genital bleeding, multiple endocrine disorders, polyneuropathy with a high plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome. Following administration of methyl prednisolone, ascites immediately decreased and her performance status improved; however, about 18 months later, renal failure occurred, and she died despite increased steroid dosage. Lymph node swelling is often found in POEMS syndrome; however, its histological appearance is not well known, and it is very rare to be concomitant with malignant lymphoma. Therefore, it is important to perform a lymph node biopsy and investigate it in relation with VEGF.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biopsy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / complications*
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • POEMS Syndrome / complications*
  • POEMS Syndrome / diagnosis
  • POEMS Syndrome / drug therapy
  • POEMS Syndrome / pathology
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Prednisolone