Humna Abid  Memon,Jean M.  Elwing,
Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in POEMS Syndrome with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Journal of Integrative Cardiology Open Access
2020
2674-2489
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.JICOA.2020.04.18
https://www.sciencerepository.org/treatment-of-pulmonary-hypertension-in-poems-syndrome-with_JICOA-2020-4-118 
Abstract: POEMS, a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, can cause pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH, diagnosed
through echocardiogram in patients with POEMS, is known to improve after autologous stem cell
transplantation (ASCT). However, similar accounts of PH, diagnosed through right heart
catheterization (RHC), the gold standard diagnostic test for PH, do not exist. We report the case of a
65-year-old female who presented with dyspnea and burning pain in feet. Physical examination was
unremarkable, while basic investigations revealed an elevated protein-albumin gap. This prompted
further tests that led to the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. Echocardiogram was additionally
obtained and raised concern for PH. RHC was hence performed and confirmed the diagnosis of PH
secondary to POEMS syndrome. The patient was treated with ASCT following which her dyspnea
got better and repeated RHC revealed improved hemodynamics. This report highlights the first case
of PH secondary to POEMS syndrome, which demonstrated improvement in hemodynamics,
measured by RHC, following ASCT.Keywords: Pulmonary hypertension, POEMS syndrome, autologous stem cell transplantation