POEMS Syndrome

Your provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll perform a physical exam to check for signs of POEMS syndrome.

Your provider may perform several tests, including:

• Blood and urine tests: Your provider may test a blood or urine sample to see if you have high levels of M-protein or VEGF. They may perform a blood test to see if you have an abnormal amount of blood cells or abnormal-looking blood cells that may be signs of POEMS.
• Imaging: X-rays and CT scans allow your provider to see if your bones have hardened or thickened. These changes can occur if you have too much M-protein.
• Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy can reveal if you have abnormal-looking plasma cells or a high number of plasma cells.
• Electromyogram (EMG): An EMG is a test that measures nerve function. It can help your provider diagnose polyneuropathy.

Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests depending on your symptoms, including breathing tests, echocardiograms or endocrine tests.

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), your provider may run tests to see if you have POEMS syndrome.