Pseudo-Popeye syndrome

Abstract

A 75-year-old woman with medullary plasmacytoma reported progressive swelling of the forearms, left more than right (figure 1), with median nerve contribution pain. Examination revealed distal sensory loss and left hand weakness with atrophy of the median and ulnar nerve–innervated muscles. Arterial pulses were palpable. Electrodiagnostic studies showed ulnar nerve conduction block and left thenar muscle denervation. MRI showed subcutaneous and muscle edema in the forearm flexor muscles, mimicking Popeye syndrome.1 Fasciotomy for compartment syndrome and muscle biopsy were performed. Muscle showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates (figure 2), a rare extramedullary manifestation of plasmacytoma.2,3 Sensory loss and muscle strength improved after fasciotomy. Therapy for plasmacytoma was bortezomib/dexamethasone plus radiotherapy of both forearms.