Nerve ultrasound studies in POEMS syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to assess the ultrasonographic features of peripheral nerves in patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes) syndrome.

METHOD

34 POEMS syndrome patients and 26 healthy control (HC) participants were recruited prospectively. Cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured in nerves of limbs, trunks of brachial plexus, and cervical nerve roots RESULTS: The CSAs were mildly enlarged at the arm segment of median nerve, elbow segment of ulnar nerve and upper trunk, moderately enlarged at the forearm segment of both median and ulnar nerve, upper trunk of brachial plexus, and C6, C7 cervical nerve roots, and markedly enlarged at the arm segment of ulnar nerve, middle and lower trunk of brachial plexus, as well as C5 cervical root.

DISCUSSION

The CSAs of upper limb nerves were larger in POEMS syndrome patients than in HCs, and the enlargements were most prominent proximally.