Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and its association with colonic carcinoma

Two cases of colonic carcinoma detected in patients with Streptococcus bovis endocarditis are presented. Neither patient had any complaints referable to the gastrointestinal tract; gastrointestinal evaluations were undertaken and colonic lesions were identified purely on the basis of the patients' underlying endocarditis. Both patients underwent successful surgery after completion of appropriate antibiotic treatment for S. bovis endocarditis. Results of a literature search for similar cases are presented. It is emphasized that all patients with S. bovis endocarditis should be evaluated for concomitant colonic carcinoma, even if they are totally asymptomatic.