A case of advanced colonic cancer discovered by bacteremia caused by Streptococcus bovis

Abstract

The patient was a 66-year-old woman who had not been to the hospital or taking any medication. She visited our hospital with chief complaints of fever, headache, and general malaise. Blood tests showed an abnormally high inflammatory response. Chest, abdominal, and pelvic plain CT did not reveal any obvious abnormalities that could cause inflammation.

Streptococcus bovis was detected in blood cultures. Because of the high incidence of colorectal lesions related with the bacterium, a lower gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an advanced colonic cancer in the ascending colon. A laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy was performed.

It is a rare case of advanced colorectal cancer discovered by bacteremia caused by S. bovis.