Severe polyneuropathy: Initial manifestation of Castleman's disease associated with POEMS syndrome Journal Article


Authors: Ku, A.; Lachmann, E.; Tunkel, R.; Nagler, W.
Article Title: Severe polyneuropathy: Initial manifestation of Castleman's disease associated with POEMS syndrome
Abstract: Castleman's disease is a rare clinicopathological entity characterized by multicentric angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia. Peripheral neuropathy has infrequently been described in patients with Castleman's disease. A patient is described who presented initially with severe painful sensorimotor polyneuropathy of his lower limbs diagnosed as a plasma cell variant of Castleman's disease associated with features of POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin change). The patient was treated with plasmapheresis, immunosuppressive agents, and intensive rehabilitation. His functional status improved from being wheelchair bound to ambulating independently with crutches. Clinicians should be alert to the relationship of Castleman's disease and mixed polyneuropathy because physical improvement is possible with treatment. Also, the evaluation of patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy of unknown etiology and lymphadenopathy should include lymph node biopsy to rule out Castleman's disease. © 1995 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Keywords: adult; functional assessment; prednisone; case report; lymph nodes; cyclophosphamide; plasmapheresis; daily life activity; occupational therapy; physiotherapy; immunosuppressive agents; sensorimotor neuropathy; immunosuppressive agent; wheelchair; middle age; paraproteinemia; guillain barre syndrome; mobilization; angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia; giant lymph node hyperplasia; physical therapy techniques; walking aid; human; male; article; poems syndrome
Journal Title: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume: 76
Issue: 7
ISSN: 0003-9993
Publisher: W.B. Saunders Co.  
Date Published: 1995-07-01
Start Page: 692
End Page: 694
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9993(95)80643-1
PUBMED: 7605193
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 28 August 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Richard Tunkel
    15 Tunkel