POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin changes) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder where early identification is essential for better long term outcomes. Yet it is often misdiagnosed. Gonçalves et al review the condition here:

https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2026/01/30/jnnp-2025-…e=facebook.

And this is a related editorial: https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2026/01/30/jnnp-2025-…e=facebook

Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, M-protein and Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystemic disorder associated with plasma cell dyscrasia, most commonly presenting with peripheral neuropathy. Due to its complex and heterogeneous clinical presentation, misdiagnosis is frequent, particularly with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, which often leads to delays in appropriate management. Peripheral nerve involvement in POEMS syndrome is predominantly demyelinating, typically accompanied by early axonal degeneration. Specific clinical, neurophysiological and imaging features are key to differentiating POEMS from other acquired demyelinating neuropathies.