Large Anal Polyp Disguised as Rectal Prolapse.

Rectal prolapse is a relatively rare condition where the rectal mucosa protrudes out of the anal canal. The diagnosis is made through a physical exam and clinical evaluation, and surgical treatment options can vary. Anal polyps masquerading as rectal prolapse have rarely been described in the literature. A 79-year-old man presented with a four-year history of a bulging, protruding mass from his anus that is exacerbated with defecation and bowel movements. He was initially diagnosed with rectal prolapse and had a proctosigmoidectomy performed robotically. Shortly after the procedure, his symptoms recurred, and he was referred to a different surgeon for reevaluation. A large, prolapsed polyp was visible on the physical exam. A colonoscopy and an anoscopy were performed. The CT abdomen/pelvis revealed a mass within the rectum, and the biopsy showed an adenomatous polyp with high-grade dysplasia. The patient underwent a transanal excision of the rectal polyp, with symptoms permanently resolving. For an accurate diagnosis, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient's history, a physical exam, and an unusual clinical course of rectal prolapse. The rarity of large, prolapsed polyps, along with their similar presentation to that of other anorectal conditions, may have contributed to this patient's diagnosis of rectal prolapse and the subsequent proctosigmoidectomy in place of a transanal excision of a polyp. The palpation of a stalk on a physical exam should raise suspicion of a polyp, and further workup, such as a colonoscopy and/or anoscopy, should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Blinding Optic Neuropathy Associated With Carboplatin Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Various forms of cancer and chemotherapeutics are associated with optic neuropathy. Cisplatin is a platinum analogue chemotherapeutic commonly associated with ocular toxicity among many other serious adverse effects. Carboplatin is a more chemically stable platinum analogue that is generally better tolerated with a comparatively favorable side effect profile. There are very few reports of carboplatin precipitating optic neuropathy. This case report describes a rare occurrence of carboplatin-induced blinding optic neuropathy. We treated a patient receiving carboplatin for neuroendocrine bladder cancer who developed rapidly progressive bilateral optic neuropathy over the course of three days. Upon evaluation at our clinic, his visual acuity had declined to light perception only and 20/60 in his left and right eye, respectively. Carboplatin therapy was immediately held and steroids were initiated. Despite the intervention, the patient's visual deficits have not improved at the one-year follow-up. Although the mechanism by which carboplatin causes ocular toxicity remains speculative, arterial ischemia appears to be the likely mechanism given the irreversible nature of visual decline. As demonstrated by our patient's course, irreversible vision loss despite high-dose steroid intervention necessitates expeditious recognition and management of this rare adverse effect. ​​​​​.