The acronym POEMS syndrome was coined for a unique multisystem disorder characterised by peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathies, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes. We report a male patient presenting to us with spinal plasmacytoma complicated with paraplegia. He was subsequently diagnosed to have POEMS syndrome and successfully treated with thalidomide and dexamethasone. Post treatment, he is able to ambulate independently.
We report a case of vertebral osteochondroma of C1 causing cord compression and myelopathy in a patient with hereditary multiple exostosis. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis and the appropriate surgery in order to obtain a satisfactory outcome.
A rare case of an aggressive recurrent giant cell tumour of axis is presented. The problems encountered in diagnosis and management are discussed. High dose dexamethasone was found to be useful managing this inoperable aggressive tumour which was compressing the cord. Early diagnosis would facilitate wide excision of the tumour with good prognosis.