Single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) allows direct visualization of the small bowel and is important in the evaluation of covert gastrointestinal bleeding. The complication rate for double balloon enteroscopy is 1 %. Complications include acute pancreatitis, perforation, and bleeding [1]
[2]. There are no published data of bacteremia following double balloon enteroscopy.
A 57-year-old gentleman was admitted with anemia and extensive hemochezia. History included hepatojejenostomy for biliary obstruction secondary to alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis. He had noncirrhotic portal hypertension.
During his admission he required 39 units of blood. Identification of the bleeding source proved difficult despite esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy. Radiological imaging demonstrated varices at the hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis and porta hepatis (choledochal varices). The patient underwent SBE ([Fig. 1]). The procedure was uncomplicated and no abnormality was demonstrated. However, 24 hours later he developed clinically significant Streptococcus milleri bacteremia. Antiobiotic treatment was commenced and he made an uneventful recovery. No other potential source of the bacteremia was identified.
Fig. 1 Check radiograph of the endoscope during the enteroscopic procedure.
Humans and animals are hosts for Group C and G streptococci species. They are part of the normal skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal, and vaginal flora. Patients infected with these streptococci typically include the elderly, men (who are more than twice as likely as women to become infected), and immunocompromised patients. Other risk factors include the postoperative period and animal product exposure [3].
Bacteremia of these phenotypes is associated with a mucosal breach. Identification is only possible through culture of pathognomic species [4]. Bacterial complications following endoscopic procedures are rare but may include liver or cerebral abscesses [5]. The incidence of these complications may increase, however, as current guidelines have removed antibiotic prophylaxis prior to procedures, even in high-risk individuals.
In the case illustrated here, the portal of entry was mucosal trauma during the enteroscopic procedure. The risk of bacterial translocation following SBE in patients with portal hypertension should be highlighted, and thus antibiotic prophylaxis considered prior to SBE.
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AI_2AD
