POEMS Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Bilateral Optic Disc Edema

POEMS syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic condition that occurs in the context of a plasma cell neoplasm. Although the acronym stands for Polyneuropathy Organomegaly -Endocrinopathy Monoclonal plasma cell disorder and -Skin changes, all features are not always seen nor necessary to make the diagnosis. 'Papilledema' is a minor diagnostic criterion. Controversy exists as to whether the optic disc swelling is secondary to elevated intracranial pressure or mediated by increased vascular permeability in the context of elevated VEGF levels.