How to diagnose POEMS syndrome

POEMS syndrome diagnosis methods include physical examination, laboratory examination, imaging examination, pathological examination, special examination, etc.

1, physical examination

doctor will observe whether there is skin pigmentation, cyanosis of hands and feet and other phenomena, through palpation, percussion and other preliminary judgment whether there is hepatomegaly, splenomegaly. And will carry out nervous system physical examination, check whether there is muscle weakness, paresthesia, etc.

2, laboratory examination

blood/urine immunofixation electrophoresis, serum free light chain, can judge whether there is M protein; endocrine function test, some patients may appear T3, T4 low.

3, imaging examination

X-ray examination, may find characteristic bone sclerosis.

4. Pathological examination of

lymph nodes: reactive hyperplasia, chronic lymphadenitis, etc.; pathological examination of peripheral nerves: demyelinating changes.

5. Special examination of

nerve conduction velocity: nature and degree of multiple peripheral neuropathy. Bone marrow puncture: mild increase of plasma cells in half of POEMS syndrome patients.