- 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- 2Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
- 3Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- 4Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China
- 5Western Institute of Digital-Intelligent Medicine, Chongqing, China
A 39-year-old woman presented with progressive fatigue and abdominal distension over 6 months, accompanied by limb numbness in the last 3 months. She was initially diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis at another hospital, with ascites and esophagogastric varices. Symptoms partially improved with diuretic therapy. However, 3 months later, she developed peripheral neuropathy characterized by “numbness in hands, lower legs, and feet, with a cotton–wool sensation while walking.” Further investigations at our hospital revealed immunoglobulin A (IgA)-λ type M-protein by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (145.96 pg/mL), multiple lymphadenopathies, and endocrine abnormalities (hypothyroidism and menstrual irregularities), leading to a diagnosis of Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein, Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. Following chemotherapy with the carfilzomi, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (KPD) regimen and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the patient showed significant improvement in neurological function and systemic symptoms. This case highlights that after excluding common causes of cirrhosis, such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, Wilson's disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the patient received repeated symptomatic treatment for cirrhosis. Furthermore, the cirrhotic facies resembled the skin hyperpigmentation of POEMS syndrome, contributing to atypical presentations and diagnostic delay. POEMS syndrome should be suspected in patients with unexplained cirrhosis, ascites, and multisystem damage. Immunofixation electrophoresis for monoclonal protein is crucial for definitive early diagnosis, and VEGF testing also holds certain diagnostic significance.
1 Introduction
Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein, Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia, with an estimated annual incidence of approximately 0.3 per 100,000 (1). While its precise etiology and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood, the clinical manifestations predominantly include polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal immunoglobulinemia, and skin changes. The initial symptom is often insidious polyneuropathy, which may transiently respond to symptomatic treatment. The core pathological mechanisms involve clonal plasma cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression (2). Classic features include demyelinating polyneuropathy (100%), hepatosplenomegaly (50–80%), endocrine dysfunction (67–84%), M-proteinemia (95%), and skin changes (68–89%) (3). We report a case of POEMS syndrome presenting initially as decompensated cirrhosis and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on relevant literature.
2 Case report
2.1 Clinical presentation
A 39-year-old woman presented with insidious fatigue, abdominal distension, and left ear pain 6 months prior. External computed tomography (CT) portography (29 September 2024) revealed cirrhosis, splenomegaly, and minimal ascites. Gastroscopy confirmed esophagogastric varices. After excluding viral hepatitis [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) negative], autoimmune liver disease (negative autoantibody profile), and Wilson's disease (normal ceruloplasmin), a preliminary diagnosis of “cryptogenic decompensated cirrhosis” was made. Abdominal distension improved with diuretics and hepatoprotective agents. After 3 months, she developed progressive distal limb numbness and muscle weakness (muscle strength grade IV). Electromyography (EMG) (23 December 2024) showed slowed sensory conduction velocities in bilateral median, radial, tibial, and peroneal nerves.
2.2 Multidisciplinary diagnostic workup
2.2.1 History summary
A 39-year-old woman complained of “fatigue for 6 months and progressively worsening limb numbness over 2 months.” Diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis at another hospital on 29 September 2024, she showed no significant improvement after diuretics and hepatoprotective therapy. Symptoms markedly worsened 5 days before admission, limiting daily activities, causing walking difficulty, and impairing object handling. She was transferred to the Department of Infectious Diseases on 7 February 2025.
2.2.2 Multidisciplinary evaluation
(I) Infectious Diseases: Cirrhosis with portal hypertension (Child-Pugh B) was confirmed, with viral and autoimmune causes ruled out. A liver biopsy was recommended to determine the etiology. The patient was advised to continue diuretics (spironolactone and furosemide) and hepatoprotection (silibinin).
(II) Neurology (Key Findings): Reduced muscle tone, absent tendon reflexes, muscle strength grade IV (distal > proximal), and impaired somatic sensation in limbs. Slowed nerve conduction velocities and reduced amplitudes on EMG. The diagnosis was “Cirrhosis with Peripheral Neuropathy,” with other causes such as immune, metabolic, and inflammatory causes.
(III) Nephrology: Diagnosed renal insufficiency (urea 8.02 mmol/L ↑, creatinine 97.2 μmol/L ↑, uric Acid 583.4 μmol/L ↑, creatinine clearance 58.5 mL/min ↓, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 63.5 mL/min ↓). To exclude primary/secondary causes, it has been recommended to conduct parathyroid hormone (PTH), antinuclear antibody (ANA), extractable nuclear antigens (ENA), including anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), vasculitis antibody panel, and renal ultrasound tests.
(IV) Rheumatology/Immunology: Elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA, 4.44 g/L ↑), decreased complement 3 (C3, 0.063 g/L ↓), and reduced total lymphocyte count (1,435.07/μL ↓), and significant generalized skin hyperpigmentation.
(V) Hematology (Suspicion Raised): Based on the combination of limb numbness and weakness, abnormal nerve conduction, unexplained cirrhosis/splenomegaly, ascites and pleural effusion, menstrual irregularity, and elevated IgA levels, POEMS syndrome was suspected., A VEGF assay, sex hormones, serum immunofixation electrophoresis, superficial lymph node ultrasound, and bone marrow examination (aspiration/biopsy/flow cytometry for clonal plasma cells) were recommended.
(VI) Endocrinology: Abnormal cortisol rhythm (4 p.m.: 172.50 nmol/L, 0 a.m.: 181.10 nmol/L, and 8 a.m.: 304.50 nmol/L), elevated ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, 76.20 pg/mL ↑), low cortisol (28.35 nmol/L ↓), and elevated TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone, 13.400 μIU/mL ↑). Patient reported amenorrhea for 3 months. It was diagnosed as subclinical hypothyroidism.
(VII) Hematology (Confirmation): VEGF elevated (145.96 pg/mL). Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (19 February 2025): IgA positive ↑, IgG positive ↑, IgM negative, κ negative, and λ positive ↑. Ultrasound showed bilateral cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Ascites (mild-moderate) suggested on ultrasound. Positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) ordered for systemic tumor assessment.
2.2.3 Key diagnostic evidence
(I) Bone Marrow Biopsy: Normocellular marrow, easily identifiable plasma cells among granulocytic, erythroid, and megakaryocytic lineages.
(II) PET/CT: ① Multiple enlarged lymph nodes (bilateral neck I–V, axillae, hila, mediastinum, abdomen, retroperitoneum, and iliac vessels) with mildly increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and variable C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression; ② Splenomegaly with diffuse CXCR4 expression, normal FDG uptake; ③ Diffusely increased FDG uptake and CXCR4 expression in bones, suggesting hypercellular marrow; ④ Peritonitis, scattered ascites; ⑤ Subcutaneous edema in neck/chest/abdomen/pelvis/bilateral thighs/buttocks.
(III) Flow Cytometry: Abnormal plasma cells accounted for 0.54% of nucleated cells in bone marrow.
2.2.4 Diagnostic criteria
(I) Major: Polyneuropathy (EMG confirmed).
(II) Minor: Monoclonal plasma cell proliferation (serum IgA/λ+, bone marrow cytological abnormalities); extravascular volume overload (ascites, pleural effusion, and edema); endocrinopathy (hypothyroidism and adrenal axis dysfunction); skin changes (hyperpigmentation); serum VEGF was normal but close to the upper limit of the reference range; and organomegaly (splenomegaly).
2.3 Treatment and outcome
2.3.1 Treatment
Induction therapy with KPD regimen (carfilzomib 20/36 mg/m2 days 1, 8, and 15; pomalidomide 4 mg days 1–21; and dexamethasone 20 mg weekly) was performed in 2 cycles; successful CD34+ cell mobilization and collection (3.9 × 106/kg) were performed; and conditioning with melphalan (140 mg/m2) was carried out.
2.3.2 Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
Performed on 14 April 2025. Neutrophil engraftment [absolute neutrophil count (ANC), >0.5 × 109/L] was achieved on day +4 (ANC, 1.86 × 109/L). Platelet engraftment (20 × 109/L without transfusion) was achieved.
2.3.3 Outcome
On 16 June 2025, the blood routine showed good recovery of hematopoietic function. The patient reported improved numbness, could walk independently, and was able to carry slightly heavier objects on her own. She could also shake hands with the doctor, who observed significant improvement in muscle strength.
The brief diagnostic process of the above process is shown in Figure 1. The results of the positive tests that are meaningful in the diagnosis process are shown in Table 1, and those that are negative for exclusion are shown in Table 2. Changes in immunofixation electrophoresis, hematology tests, CT scans, VEGF, and other examinations before and after treatment indicate that the treatment is effective, as shown in Tables 3–7, respectively.
Table 4. Comparison of blood routine results of patients, suggesting neutrophils are implanted successfully.
3 Discussion
This patient was initially diagnosed with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The subsequent development of peripheral neuropathy and renal insufficiency prompted immunofixation electrophoresis, which revealed M-proteinemia. Bone marrow pathology and endocrine evaluations ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome.
3.1 Differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy
Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS): Both GBS and POEMS can cause motor paralysis. However, GBS lacks associated organomegaly, endocrinopathy, skin changes, bone lesions, and elevated VEGF, all present in this case.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): CIDP, an immune-mediated neuropathy, presents with symmetric limb weakness, sensory disturbances, and chronic progression/relapse. EMG shows demyelination, and CSF typically has elevated protein. It often responds to immunotherapy. POEMS and CIDP both affect motor/sensory nerves and slow conduction. However, CIDP does not feature organomegaly, endocrinopathy (thyroid), M-protein, skin changes, bone lesions, or elevated VEGF, all evident here. The constellation of polyneuropathy, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, elevated VEGF, skin hyperpigmentation, and M-protein confirmed POEMS.
3.2 Pathogenesis of liver injury
The uniqueness of this case lies in the initial presentation as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. A potential mechanism involves VEGF-mediated injury to hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. Studies suggest VEGF activates MMP-9, leading to degradation of the sinusoidal basement membrane, sinusoidal capillarization, and increased portal resistance (4).
VEGF activates MMP-9: Through pathways such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), VEGF increases the expression of MMP-9, particularly in the tumor microenvironment. MMP-9 degrades the basement membrane: MMP-9 specifically hydrolyzes type IV collagen, a key component of the hepatic sinusoidal basement membrane, disrupting the endothelial structure of the hepatic sinusoids. Hepatic sinusoidal capillaryization: After the basement membrane is degraded, the endothelium of the hepatic sinusoids loses its fenestrated structure and transforms into capillary-like vessels covered by a continuous basement membrane, leading to “capillaryization“ of the hepatic sinusoids. Increased portal vein resistance: The capillaryization of the hepatic sinusoids reduces the blood exchange area, increases blood flow resistance, and ultimately raises the pressure in the portal vein. In addition, the differential diagnosis between liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension should be paid more attention (5).
3.3 Optimizing diagnostic strategy
The median diagnostic delay for POEMS syndrome is 13 months (6); this case took 9 months. We propose a three-step diagnostic algorithm for patients with “cirrhosis + neuropathy”:
Serum Protein Studies: Serum protein electrophoresis + Immunofixation electrophoresis + Serum immunoglobulins + Serum free light chains (κ/λ ratio).
The VEGF assay is a critical diagnostic marker, with a cut-off of ≥200 pg/mL demonstrating a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 68% (7).
Systemic Imaging: PET/CT (sensitivity usually over 90% for detecting plasmacytomas). Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy with morphology and flow cytometry is essential for confirmation in suspected cases. PET/CT was able to detect MM osteolytic lesions with a sensitivity of approximately 80–90% and a specificity of 80–100% (8).
3.4 Treatment advances
ASCT has emerged as a potentially curative treatment for POEMS, improving short-term outcomes and long-term survival:
Symptom Improvement: Multiple studies show ASCT significantly improves polyneuropathy, skin changes, edema, and other systemic manifestations (9).
Hematologic Response: Although M-protein negativity is less common post-ASCT, significant reductions in VEGF levels correlate with neurologic recovery. Data from Peking Union Medical College Hospital shows a hematologic complete response (CR H) rate of 57.3% and a 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 72.2% post-ASCT (10). Large retrospective studies indicate 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of 89–92.8% for ASCT recipients, significantly higher than conventional chemotherapy.
In addition, we have summarized and compared the similarities and differences between some reported cases of portal hypertension and POEMS syndrome, as well as this case (Table 8).
3.5 Future research directions
Biomarker-Guided Therapy: Dynamic VEGF monitoring serves as an efficacy indicator. 18F-FDG PET/CT assesses early metabolic response. Associations with Vitamin B6/B12 deficiency warrant nutritional screening.
Novel Conditioning Regimens: Exploring targeted agents (e.g., Daratumumab) combined with ASCT, or developing lower-toxicity regimens to improve tolerability in older patients.
Long-Term Follow-up and Mechanistic Studies: Further elucidation of post-ASCT immune reconstitution, neural repair mechanisms, and risk factors for relapse is needed.
4 Conclusion
This case illustrates that POEMS syndrome can manifest as an atypical liver disease process. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for this “diagnostic puzzle,” particularly when common causes of cirrhosis are excluded. The 9-month diagnostic delay highlights the need for early implementation of the proposed algorithm incorporating immunofixation, VEGF, and PET/CT. It is recommended to include immunofixation electrophoresis in the routine evaluation of unexplained cirrhosis, especially in the presence of neurological or endocrine abnormalities. Early ASCT significantly improves prognosis, and a multidisciplinary approach is paramount for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Data availability statement
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.
Ethics statement
The studies involving humans were approved by the Ethics Committee of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article.
Author contributions
HZ: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Supervision, Data curation, Writing – original draft. YZ: Writing – original draft, Data curation. LW: Writing – original draft, Data curation. LY: Data curation, Writing – original draft. JW: Writing – review & editing, Formal analysis. WC: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Formal analysis. XH: Writing – review & editing, Formal analysis, Supervision, Conceptualization. SZ: Supervision, Writing – review & editing, Funding acquisition.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This study was supported by the Chongqing Key Specialty Excellence Project (Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of CQMU), the Special Research Project of Sichuan Medical Association (2024HR21), and the Special Foundation for Postdoctoral Research Projects of Chongqing, China (2024CQBSHTB3075).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Supplementary material
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Keywords: POEMS syndrome, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, M-protein, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
Citation: Zhou H, Zhou Y, Wu L, Yan L, Wei J, Chen W, Huang X and Zhang S (2025) POEMS syndrome complicated by portal hypertension resembling decompensated cirrhosis: a case report and diagnostic insights. Front. Med. 12:1654338. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1654338
Received: 26 June 2025; Accepted: 13 October 2025;
Published: 03 November 2025.
Edited by:
Nicola Sgherza, AOU Policlinico Consorziale di Bari, ItalyReviewed by:
Kung-Hung Lin, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, TaiwanShuai Tan, Capital Medical University, China
Copyright © 2025 Zhou, Zhou, Wu, Yan, Wei, Chen, Huang and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
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Hua Zhou1