Streptococcus bovis septicemia and large bowel neoplasia

Streptococcus bovis septicemia is a relatively uncommon entity that is associated with an increased incidence of colonic neoplasms. Three of four patients with S. bovis endocarditis subsequent to septicemia underwent colonoscopy. The fourth patient underwent a barium enema and a proctoscopic examination. Polyps were found in three patients, and adenocarcinoma of the colon in one. Patients with S. bovis endocarditis should be considered at high risk for colonic neoplasms. Screening colonoscopy is recommended for these patients, and follow-up colonoscopy may be warranted.