IgM-lambda paraproteinemia with associated cutaneous lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Apr;58(4):671-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.07.021.

Abstract

POEMS is a rare multisystem paraneoplastic syndrome featuring polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, a monoclonal protein, and skin changes. In the relatively few reported biopsies of POEMS-associated cutaneous hyperpigmentation, the most common skin finding seen in patients with the disorder, only a non-specific inflammatory infiltrate has been demonstrated histologically. We present the case of a 79-year-old man with polyneuropathy, autoimmune thyroiditis, pancytopenia, and a history of lymphadenopathy who presented to the inpatient dermatology service with cutaneous hyperpigmentation. A skin biopsy of a hyperpigmented area showed a cutaneous lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, prompting further investigation. A monoclonal IgM-lambda paraprotein was subsequently identified, leading to administration of combination chemotherapy for a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. The novel finding of a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in POEMS-associated hyperpigmentation suggests a diagnostic role for skin biopsy in these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology*
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / blood*
  • Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • POEMS Syndrome / pathology*
  • Paraproteinemias / blood*
  • Paraproteinemias / pathology*
  • Plasma Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains