POEMS syndrome: an unusual cause of bilateral optic disk swelling.

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

METHOD: 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.

CONCLUSION

Because POEMS syndrome typically affects older male patients, this is an unusual case of multiple myeloma in conjunction with POEMS syndrome.