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Published on: April 7, 2015

Colon cancer presenting as Streptococcus gallolyticus infective endocarditis

H Kok1, R Jureen, C Y Soon

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, Singapore 159964.

Singapore Medical Journal
|February 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus may indicate underlying colon cancer. Early colonoscopy screening in these patients is crucial for timely diagnosis and curative treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, and thalassaemia are significant comorbidities.
  • Streptococcus gallolyticus is a known pathogen causing infective endocarditis.
  • A link exists between Streptococcus gallolyticus endocarditis and colonic neoplasm.

Observation:

  • A 58-year-old man presented with fever, diagnosed with aortic valve infective endocarditis due to Streptococcus gallolyticus.
  • During hospitalization, the patient experienced haematochaezia, leading to the discovery of colonic carcinoma-in-situ.

Findings:

  • Successful antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis was completed.
  • The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis for colonic neoplasm.
  • Early diagnosis facilitated curative surgery, preserving the patient's quality of life.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of routine colonoscopy in patients with Streptococcus gallolyticus infective endocarditis.
  • Prompt investigation for colonic neoplastic changes is vital.
  • Integrating cardiac and gastrointestinal screening protocols can improve patient outcomes.

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