Lenalidomide-Induced Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease in Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Gammopathy, and Skin Changes Syndrome

Abstract

We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. She developed transient ischemic attack after the introduction of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (Rd) therapy despite no vascular risk factors. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography angiographies showed bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. Rd therapy was suspended because of its thromboembolic risk. She had been neurologically stable during the suspension of Rd therapy. After Rd therapy was restarted, however, she repeated ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Rd therapy was switched to carfilzomib plus dexamethasone therapy. Thereafter, she had been neurologically stable. Multivessel stenosis is infrequently seen in POEMS syndrome. Therefore, magnetic resonance angiography should be performed before introducing Rd therapy in POEMS syndrome.

Keywords: POEMS syndrome; cerebral infarction; lenalidomide; multivessel stenosis.