Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
POEMS syndrome physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Common physical examination findings of POEMS syndrome include, organomegaly (hepatomegaly, splenomegaly), peripheral edema/anasarca, ascites, mixed lytic/sclerotic bone lesions, papilledema, skin hyperpigmentation and lymphadenopathy.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance
Vital Signs
- Vital signs of patients with POEMS syndrome are usually normal.
Skin
- Hyperpigmentation
- Nail clubbing
- Leuconychia
- Thickening of the skin[1]
- Excess hair or hair in unusual places (hypertrichosis)
- Skin angiomas or haemangiomas[1]
- There may be changes reminiscent of scleroderma
HEENT
- Papilledema
- Uveitis and preretinal haemorrhage may be present.
Neck
Lungs
- Pleural effusion (decreased or absent breath sounds, decreased tactile fremitus, dullness to percussion)
Heart
Abdomen
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
- Ascites (succession splash, shifting dullness)
Back
- Back examination of patients with POEMS syndrome is usually normal.
Genitourinary
- Genitourinary examination of patients with POEMS syndrome is usually normal.
Neuromuscular
- Symmetrical, ascending chronic progressive polyneuropathy with both sensory (pin-prick and vibration) and motor disability (motor > sensory)
- Decreased muscle strength[1]
- Absent deep tendon reflexes[1]
- Impaired temperature, position, and vibration senses[1]
Extremities
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]Sabawoon Mirwais, M.B.B.S, M.D.[3]