Mpox Case Presenting With Genital Lesions and Proctitis.

ABSTRACT: Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus of the Poxviridae family, endemic to Africa. In August 2022, the US government declared it an emergency because of the worldwide spread. Traditionally, Mpox infection spreads through contact with infected animals. However, the 2022 outbreak Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data note that 94% of cases had recent male-to-male sexual or close intimate contact, suggesting a novel sexual transmission. In this article, we report a 39-year-old HIV-positive man presenting with a diffuse cutaneous rash, perianal pain, and bloody stool of 2-week duration. A medical history includes intravenous drug use and multiple sexual partners. Physical examination revealed umbilicated, tan-colored, crusted cutaneous papules scattered across the face, trunk, and genital regions. Perianal lesion biopsy showed an acanthotic epidermis with spongiosis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and the formation of multinucleated syncytial keratinocytes. A dermal superficial/lichenoid mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate with multinucleated giant cells was noted. Perianal lesion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for Mpox. Colonoscopy revealed a 3-cm circumferential rectal ulcer with gray exudate and necrosis. A rectal ulcer biopsy showed an ulcerated mucosa with acute proctitis and necrosis. There were scattered macrophages with intranuclear inclusion and glassy vacuolization, and Mpox infection was confirmed by immunostaining with a Mpox-specific anti-Vaccinia virus antibody.

Anal Monkeypox Disease: Description of 65 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Monkeypox is a zoonosis endemic in Africa caused by 3 orthopoxvirus clades. Knowledge of the disease is limited, but a worldwide outbreak involving a new route of transmission was declared in April 2022. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe anal symptoms and outcomes in patients infected with Monkeypox virus presenting to an emergency proctology unit in Paris. DESIGN: This was an observational study. SETTING: We reported anal symptoms of all consecutive patients with monkeypox anal infection in a single proctology center between June 16, 2022, and July 26, 2022. Association with sexually transmitted infections and outcomes were also recorded. PATIENTS: Sixty-five men with a mean age of 39.6 (19.9-64.6) years with confirmed monkeypox anal infection were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anal symptoms and their severity were clinically assessed. A favorable outcome consisted of a complete resolution of clinical manifestation. RESULTS: Sexual transmission was reported in 51 patients (78.4%), among whom 63 (97%) were men who have sex with men. Twenty-eight (43%) were living with HIV, and 24 (36.9%) were taking tenofovir/emtricitabine for HIV preexposure prophylaxis. Anal symptoms appeared first in 36 patients (55.4%) and skin rash or other general symptoms in 22 patients (33.8%). Incubation time was 6.9 (1-26) days. Symptoms included painful perianal (n = 42 patients; 64.6%), anal (n = 28, 43%), and rectal (n = 25; 38.4%) ulcerations and perianal vesicles (n = 24; 36.9%). Proctitis was observed in 49 patients (75.4%). It was mild in 20 (40.8%) and intense in 29 (59.2%), and severe proctitis mimicking high intersphincteric suppuration was found in 4 (8.2%). Fifteen patients (23.1%) had concurrent sexually transmitted infection and 3 were hospitalized. Complete symptom resolution occurred within 12 days. LIMITATIONS: We performed a single-center study during a short period of time. CONCLUSIONS: Proctological symptoms are frequent in the current outbreak of monkeypox disease, probably linked to the route of transmission. Rectal ulcerations mimicking high intersphincteric suppuration should be recognized to avoid unnecessary surgery. See Video Abstract . ENFERMEDAD ANAL DE LA VIRUELA DEL MONO DESCRIPCIN DE CASOS: ANTECEDENTES:La viruela del simio mono es una zoonosis endémica en África causada por tres clados de orthopoxvirus. El conocimiento de la enfermedad es limitado, pero en abril de 2022 se declaró un brote mundial que implica una nueva vía de transmisión.OBJETIVO:Describir los síntomas anales y los resultados en pacientes que sufren de infección por Monkeypox que asistieron a una unidad de proctología de emergencia en París.DISEÑO:Un estudio observacional.ESCENARIO:Informamos los síntomas anales de todos los pacientes consecutivos con infección anal por viruela del mono en un solo centro de proctología entre el 16/6/2022 y el 26/7/2022. También se registró la asociación con infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y el resultado.PACIENTES:Sesenta y cinco hombres de 39,6 [19,9-64,6] años con infección anal confirmada.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los síntomas anales y su gravedad se evaluaron clínicamente. Un resultado favorable consistió en una resolución completa de la manifestación clínica.RESULTADOS:La transmisión sexual se informó en 51 (78,4%) pacientes, de los cuales 63 (97%) eran hombres que tuvieron sexo con hombres. Veintiocho (43%) vivían con el VIH y 24 (36,9%) tomaban Emtricitabina/Tenofovir para profilaxis previa por exposición al VIH. Los síntomas anales aparecieron primero en 36 (55,4%) pacientes y la erupción cutánea u otros síntomas generales en 22 (33,8%). El tiempo de incubación fue de 6,9 [1-26] días. Los síntomas incluyeron ulceraciones perianales dolorosas (n = 42 pacientes, 64,6%), anales (n = 28, 43%), rectales (n = 25, 38,4%) y vesículas perianales (n = 24, 36,9%). Se observó proctitis en 49 (75,4%) pacientes. Fue leve en 20 (40,8%) e intensa en 29 (59,2%) y proctitis severa simulando supuración interesfinteriana alta en 4 (8,2%). Quince (23,1%) pacientes presentaban ITS concurrentes y 3 fueron hospitalizados. La resolución completa de los síntomas ocurrió dentro de los 12 días.LIMITACIONES:Estudio de un solo centro y durante corto período de tiempo.CONCLUSIÓN:Los síntomas proctológicos son frecuentes en el brote actual de la enfermedad de la viruela del mono, probablemente relacionados con la vía de transmisión. Las ulceraciones rectales que simulan una supuración interesfinteriana alta deben reconocerse para evitar una cirugía innecesaria. (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

[Progressive radiation-induced rectal injury: is there an opportunity to get out of a vicious circle? A clinical case].

Radiation therapy is one of the main treatment option for prostate cancer used either independently or as a component of combined and complex treatment of the disease. Modern achievements make it possible to deliver doses of radiation that match the exact dimensions of the tumor for greater efficacy, with minimal exposure of the surrounding tissues, however, does not eliminate them. In most patients, clinical manifestations of chronic radiation proctitis occur during the first 2 years after radiation therapy. The article summarizes the current knowledge about pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics and treatment options for this condition. In this paper, we present a case of complicated of chronic radiation proctitis.

Primary rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma masquerading as proctitis.

A 29-year-old male presented with recurrent mucous bloody stools for more than a year. Colonoscopy revealed ill-defined, mildly congested and edematous mucosa with scattered erosion spots in the lower rectum, highly suspicious for proctitis. Histopathology showed diffuse infiltration of small to medium-sized lymphoid cells in the lamina propria. Immunohistochemistry indicated these cells were positive for CD20, CD79a, CD19, kappa and lambda light chains (partial), and negative for CD3, CD5, CD10, cyclin D and BCL-6. These results were consistent with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Further investigations consisting of upper endoscopy, bone marrow biopsy, and whole-body PET/CT scan did not detect any extrarectal lesions. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of stage I primary rectal MALT lymphoma was made. The patient underwent 15 fractions of radiotherapy with a total dose of 30 Gy. His symptoms were alleviated following the treatment. A follow-up colonoscopy performed 3 months later showed complete resolution of the lesion.

Outcomes of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis at a South African tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhagic radiation proctitis occurs in 5-10% of patients undergoing radiotherapy. In our resourceconstrained South African setting, this study aimed to describe the clinicopathological spectrum and management of radiation proctitis referred to a tertiary centre, to address the deficit in our setting-specific understanding of the condition. METHODS: This was a sub-analysis of data from an existing colorectal cancer registry at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban. We reviewed the registry for all patients between 2008 and 2019 with haemorrhagic radiation proctitis and describe the various patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes for these patients. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with haemorrhagic radiation proctitis were identified. Colonoscopy findings included bleeding (58 patients), endoscopic proctitis (30 patients) and rectal stricture (7 patients). The median time elapsed between radiotherapy and development of symptoms was 16.5 months (IQR 12-25). Median number of argon plasma coagulation (APC) sessions for endoscopic healing or symptom resolution was three sessions (IQR 2-4). At follow-up, 35 patients had complete healing and 19 patients had symptom improvement. Complications occurring during or after APC therapy included rectal ulceration (2 patients) and rectovaginal fistula (1 patient). CONCLUSION: APC is a safe and effective treatment modality with complete resolution or significant improvement in symptomatology in the vast majority of patients with three or four treatments. Morbidity is likely to be related to ongoing radiation effects.

Monkeypox-associated proctitis and rectal wall perforation.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic infection which has rapidly increased in incidence and spread globally since May 2022. There have been reports of rectal complications of monkeypox but so far these are not well not understood. Here, we describe a case of rectal pain in HIV-positive man with confirmed monkeypox. MRI on day 5 of hospital admission revealed proctitis with localised perforation. The patient was treated with tecovirimat, antibiotics, analgesia and laxatives and improved without requiring surgical intervention. All patients presenting with new rectal symptoms and deemed high-risk for monkeypox should be isolated and screened for the disease, and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn by healthcare professionals caring for them. Clinicians should have a low threshold for cross-sectional imaging in patients with confirmed or suspected monkeypox who experience persistent and severe rectal symptoms or who become systemically unwell to investigate for complications such as perforation and abscess formation. The vast majority of monkeypox cases do not require antibiotics and their use should be reserved for patients who show signs of secondary bacterial infection or sepsis.

CMV proctitis: a rare disease presentation in a young and immunocompetent man.

A young adult man presented to an outlying emergency department with a sore throat, fever and chills. Upon failure of symptomatic management and a course of amoxicillin, he developed rectal pain and loose stools. Despite outpatient doxycycline treatment for presumed chlamydial proctitis, he developed worsening rectal pain and bloody stools. Results on abdominal and pelvic CT were consistent with proctitis. His symptoms worsened despite added metronidazole for bacterial proctitis. Workup revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein and calprotectin, suggestive of a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A colonoscopy revealed proximal tightness of the rectum, and pathology reported features suggestive of IBD. He was treated with prednisone and mesalamine. However, immunostaining positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) confirmed a diagnosis of tissue-invasive CMV proctitis. This was further supported by serological testing for CMV consistent with a diagnosis of CMV proctitis preceded by a primary CMV infection of the pharynx.

IOIBD Recommendations for Clinical Trials in Ulcerative Proctitis: The PROCTRIAL Consensus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Clinical trials evaluating biologics and small molecules in patients with ulcerative colitis are predominantly excluding ulcerative proctitis. The objective of the Definition and endpoints for ulcerative PROCtitis in clinical TRIALs initiative was to develop consensus statements for definitions, inclusion criteria, and endpoints for the evaluation of ulcerative proctitis in adults. METHODS: Thirty-five international experts held a consensus meeting to define ulcerative proctitis, and the endpoints to use in clinical trials. Based on a systematic review of the literature, statements were generated, discussed, and approved by the working group participants using a modified Delphi method. Consensus was defined as at least 75% agreement among voters. RESULTS: The group agreed that the diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis should be made by ileocolonoscopy and confirmed by histopathology, with the exclusion of infections, drug-induced causes, radiation, trauma, and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative proctitis was defined as macroscopic extent of lesions limited to 15 cm distance from the anal verge in adults. Primary and secondary endpoints were identified to capture response of ulcerative proctitis to therapy. A combined clinical and endoscopic primary endpoint for the evaluation of ulcerative proctitis disease activity was proposed. Secondary endpoints that should be evaluated include endoscopic remission, histologic remission, mucosal healing, histologic endoscopic mucosal improvement, disability, fecal incontinence, urgency, constipation, and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: In response to the need for guidance on the design of clinical trials in patients with ulcerative proctitis, the Definition and end points for ulcerative PROCtitis in clinical TRIALs consensus provides recommendations on the definition and endpoints for ulcerative proctitis clinical trials.

Cytomegalovirus proctitis in non-human immunodeficiency virus infected patients: A case report and literature review.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. CMV is a ubiquitous Herpesviridae virus with a wide spectrum of pathologies in humans. Immunocompetent patients generally develop a benign, self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome, whereas gastrointestinal tissue-invasive disease is more frequently seen in immunocompromised. The clinical manifestations of CMV colitis or proctitis are demarcated by bloody diarrhea, ulcerations, ulcero-infiltrative changes, and pseudomembranous formation on colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal CMV infections complicated with deep rectal ulcer and fistula formation are rare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ganciclovir is also the gold standard therapy for CMV colitis or proctitis.

Proctitis y enfermedad perianal de causa infecciosa: una mirada más allá de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Infectious proctitis and perianal disease: a gaze beyond inflammatory bowel disease

Resumen La proctitis infecciosa secundaria a una enfermedad de transmisión sexual ha aumentado en incidencia y deben ser consideradas especial-mente en varones homosexuales o bisexuales con síntomas rectales. Presentamos un paciente con una proctitis y enfermedad perianal por Chlamydia trachomatis que podría haber sido diagnosticado con otra enfermedad ano-rectal como es la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, si la historia clínica no hubiese sido considerada. Un alto nivel de sospecha es necesario para evitar un diagnóstico incorrecto, retrasar el tratamiento antimicrobiano y el desarrollo de complicaciones.

Abstract Infectious proctitis by sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in incidence and should be considered in homosexual patients with rectal symptoms. In this case, we show a patient with proctitis and perianal disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that could be diagnosed as another anorectal disease such as inflammatory bowel disease if the clinical history is not taken into account. A high level of suspicion is crucial, in order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis, delayed antibiotic therapy and the development of complications.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a complementary treatment for radiation proctitis: Useless or useful? - A literature review.

Radiotherapy (RT) is the backbone of multimodality treatment of more than half of cancer cases. Despite new modern RT techniques, late complications may occur such as radiation proctitis (RP). The natural history of RP is unpredictable. Minor symptoms may resolve spontaneously or require conservative treatment. On the other hand, for similar and uncomplicated clinical contexts, symptoms may persist and can even be refractory to the progressive increase in treatment measures. Over the last decades, an enormous therapeutic armamentarium has been considered in RP, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Currently, the evidence regarding the impact of HBOT on RP and its benefits is conflicting. Additional prospective and randomised studies are necessary to validate HBOT's effectiveness in the 'real world' clinical practice. This article reviewed the relevant literature on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, different classifications and discuss RP management including a proposal for a therapeutic algorithm with a focus on HBOT.

Radiation proctitis-related lumbar spondylodiscitis due to Actinomyces odontolyticus: a rare finding.

Lumbar spondylodiscitis due to radiation proctitis-related fistula is a rare finding in the literature. After having isolated Actinomyces odontolyticus, a rare finding in the osteomuscular system, we present one of such cases.A 75-year-old patient with a history of rectum adenocarcinoma, submitted to surgery and radiotherapy, presented himself in our emergency department with a 3-month history of lumbar pain radiating to both legs. Physical examination was compatible with cauda equina syndrome and subsequent investigation revealed L4-L5 spondylodiscitis. Despite a 6-month antibiotic therapy regimen, the symptoms recurred. Intravertebral disc biopsy revealed A. odontolyticus and directed antibiotic therapy was started. However, the symptoms recurred after a new 6-month antibiotic therapy regimen, this time with rectal purulent drainage. Additional study revealed two rectal fistulae. It was assumed those were caused by radiation proctitis and constituted the primary cause of spondylodiscitis. Laminectomy was performed with a satisfactory clinical response.

Management of Long-Term Toxicity From Pelvic Radiation Therapy.

Pelvic radiation therapy is an integral component in the treatment of various gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. As survival rates from these malignancies improve, the prevalence of toxicity secondary to pelvic radiation has increased. Gastrointestinal toxicities are the most common complications and greatly impact quality of life. Toxicities can present in acute or late stages; although symptoms may be similar during both, the management may differ. Acute toxicities represent an inflammatory reaction in response to the radiation exposure, whereas late toxicities may arise as a result of small vessel disease, ischemia, and fibrosis. Currently, there are no large clinical trials and only limited guidelines on the management of late gastrointestinal radiation toxicities. Therapy is generally approached in a stepwise manner from medical to endoscopic to surgical methods. Several endoscopic therapies, such as the treatment of radiation proctitis with argon plasma coagulation and dilation of radiation bowel strictures, may prevent the need for surgical intervention, which may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that late toxicities can occur years after radiation therapy, they are often difficult to recognize and diagnose. Successful management of late toxicities requires recognition, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and a multidisciplinary approach. More dedicated research could clarify the prevalence of gastrointestinal pelvic radiation toxicities, permit a better understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of current therapies, and allow for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Screening of chronic radiation proctitis and colorectal cancer using periodic total colonoscopy after external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of colorectal cancer and chronic radiation proctitis after prostate radiotherapy using periodic total colonoscopy screening. METHODS: From February 2013 to January 2018, 270 patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer were advised to receive periodic total colonoscopy screening annually. We evaluated the incidence and characteristics of colorectal cancer and chronic radiation proctitis. RESULTS: First, second, third, fourth and fifth total colonoscopy were performed in 256 (95%), 151 (56%), 60 (22%), 23 (8.5%) and 7 (2.6%) patients at a median of 14, 31, 42, 54 and 72 months after radiotherapy, respectively. The prevalence proportion of colorectal cancer in the first colonoscopy since radiotherapy was 3.9%. Twelve (4.4%) patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, including four invasive cancers, during a follow-up period. Eight of these 12 patients had not experienced rectal bleeding. The median time to diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 21 months. Chronic radiation proctitis was observed in 136 (50%) patients, including 67 (25%) patients with symptomatic bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The high detection rate of asymptomatic radiation proctitis suggests the utility of total colonoscopy to screen for early-stage colorectal cancer prior to or following radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Considering the longevity after localized prostate cancer treatment, the awareness of chronic radiation-induced proctitis and the risk of colorectal cancer masked by bleeding is needed in treatment decision -making.

A Ten-year-long Update on Radiation Proctitis Among Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Curative External Beam Radiotherapy.

This comprehensive synopsis summarizes the most relevant information obtained from a systematic analysis of studies of the last decade on radiation proctitis, one of the most feared radioinduced side effects among prostate cancer patients treated with curative external beam radiotherapy. The present review provides a useful support to radiation oncologists for limiting the onset or improving the treatment of radiation proctitis. This work shows that the past decade was a harbinger of significant new evidence in technological advances and technical tricks to avoid radiation proctitis, in addition to dosimetric perspectives and goals, understanding of pathogenesis, diagnostic work-up and treatment. We believe that a well-rounded knowledge of such an issue is fundamental for its appropriate management.

Características epidemiológicas y manifestaciones clínicas de pacientes con proctitis infecciosa / Epidemiologic characteristics and clinical manifestations in patients with infectious proctitis

Resumen Objetivo: Describir y caracterizar los aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de los pacientes con proctitis infecciosa en nuestro hospital. Materiales y Método: Se trata de un estudio de tipo transversal de pacientes con sintomatología perianal y del canal anal, concordante con proctitis, que consultaron en el policlínico de coloproctología entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2018, a quienes se les realizó estudio de secreción anal para confirmar infección de transmisión sexual. Resultados: Son 46 pacientes hombres, 26 años promedio de edad, un 6% heterosexuales. Un 65% había consultado previamente (ninguno a un coloproctólogo). El síntoma más frecuente: ano húmedo (97,8%) y el signo: dermitis perianal (100%). De este grupo, 20 nunca se habían realizado estudio de VIH y 50% resultó ser seropositivo. Presentaban infecciones de transmisión sexual más comunes: Gonorrea (43,4%) y sífilis (31,2%) y en un 32% hubo presencia de más de un germen. Discusión: Los resultados sugieren que la proctitis infecciosa es una patología de pacientes jóvenes quienes tienen relaciones sexuales sin protección, más del 50% no utiliza condón. La mayoría de los pacientes presentan consultas previas con médicos no proctólogos. Los gérmenes con mayor frecuencia que provocan proctitis infecciosa: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum. Conclusión: La presencia de una dermitis perianal sin respuesta a tratamiento habitual, muy severa y/o en pacientes de riesgo, debe hacer sospechar proctitis infecciosa.

Objective: Describe and characterize epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients with infectious proctitis at our hospital. Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional study of patients with perianal and anal canal symptoms consistent with proctitis, who consulted at the Clinical Hospital of The University of Chile coloproctology outpatient clinic between January 2017 and December 2018, with perianal and anal canal symptoms, consistent with proctitis, and with confirmed sexually transmitted disease by anal secretion study. Results: Total of 46 patients, all male with average age of 26 years old. 6% heterosexuals. 65% had previous medical consults (none with a proctologist). The most common symptom was wet anus (97.8%), and the most common physical finding was perianal dermatitis (100%). 20 patients had never been tested for HIV, and 50% were positive for this disease. The most common sexually transmitted diseases were gonorrhea (43.4%) and syphilis (31.2%). In 32% of the patients, the culture informed more than one pathogen. Discussion: The results suggest that infectious proctitis is a disease of young patients who have unprotected sex. More than 50% do not use a condom. Most patients have prior consults, but none with a proctologist. The most frequent pathogen that causes infectious proctitis: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Treponema pallidum. Conclusion: The presence of severe perianal dermatitis, lack of response to common treatment, and/or in patients with risk factors, infectious proctitis should be suspected.