Paraneoplastic Papillitis as a Precursor to Colon Carcinoma: A Case of Unexpected Vision Loss Leading to Early Cancer Detection.

Introduction: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes are rare manifestations of cancer, characterized by autoantibodies targeting neuronal antigens. These syndromes often precede or accompany cancer diagnosis, complicating their interpretation. In this case report, we present the first documented patient with paraneoplastic papillitis causing visual disturbances in association with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Case presentation: A 76-year-old female presented with acute vision loss and difficulty walking. A multidisciplinary team, including an ophthalmologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, radiologist, and oncologist, collaborated to diagnose early-stage adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon. This diagnosis was triggered by the detection of anti-CV2 and anti-amphiphysin antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid, indicative of PNS.

Conclusion: This case underscores the necessity of considering colorectal carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid syndromes and highlights the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in identifying rare paraneoplastic conditions.