{
  "abstract": "Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystemic disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia, most commonly presenting with peripheral neuropathy. Due to its complex and heterogeneous clinical presentation, misdiagnosis is frequent, particularly with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, which often leads to delays in appropriate management. Peripheral nerve involvement in POEMS syndrome is predominantly demyelinating, typically accompanied by early axonal degeneration. Specific clinical, neurophysiological and imaging features are key to differentiating POEMS from other acquired demyelinating neuropathies. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a central role in its pathophysiology, promoting disruption of the blood–nerve barrier and contributing to the systemic manifestations. Accurate diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach and is often supported by laboratory testing, including VEGF measurement and monoclonal protein screening as well as advanced imaging techniques. Therapeutic strategies are guided by disease extent and include radiotherapy for localised lesions, systemic chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for disseminated disease. Early identification and intervention are essential to prevent irreversible nerve damage and optimise long-term functional outcomes. Prompt recognition of characteristic findings not only enables appropriate treatment but may also significantly improve patient prognosis.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Trajano Aguiar Pires Gonçalves"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Camila Derminio Donadel"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Rodrigo Siqueira Soares Frezatti"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Maria Cristina Lopes Schiavoni"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil",
        "Neurology, Clinica Neurológica de Joinville, Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Marcus Vinícius Magno Gonçalves"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Pedro Manoel Marques Garibaldi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Gil Cunha de Santis"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Wilson Marques Júnior"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil"
      ],
      "name": "Pedro José Tomaselli"
    }
  ],
  "title": "POEMS syndrome: a neuromuscular perspective",
  "uid": "2e4029c5-5aaa-55f4-b6f3-cda1a8e7748e"
}