POEMS syndrome: an unusual cause of bilateral optic disk swelling

PURPOSE: To alert ophthalmologists to POEMS syndrome as an unusual cause of optic disk swelling. METHOD: Case report. A 25-year-old white woman developed scotomata and optic disk swelling, and systemic signs and symptoms of POEMS syndrome. RESULTS: Bone marrow biopsy disclosed multiple myeloma. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, radiation, and marrow transplantation, the patient died from multi-organ failure. CONCLUSION: Because POEMS syndrome typically affects older male patients, this is an unusual case of multiple myeloma in conjunction with POEMS syndrome.