Ischemic Stroke in a Patient With Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Protein, and Skin Changes Syndrome Treated With Lenalidomide

Abstract

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is an uncommon multisystemic disease associated with plasma cell dyscrasia. Due to the disease's rarity and an even rarer presentation of stroke in afflicted patients, a direct association between POEMS syndrome and stroke remains ambiguous. Thrombocytosis, hyperfibrinogenemia, and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines occur in this disease, which can predispose patients to thromboembolic events. Immunomodulators can also enhance thrombosis, the chances of which increase when they are combined with dexamethasone. We present a case of a 28-year-old patient with an ischemic stroke, which may have been triggered by the combination of POEMS syndrome-associated vasculitis and the thrombogenic nature of lenalidomide-dexamethasone therapy.