Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases & Disorders

Frail Heart, Friable Colon: A Case Report of Fecal Microbiota Transplant for Refractory Clostridium difficile Infection in a Patient with Recent Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract

Bhanvadia A*

Background: Fecal microbiota transplant for refractory C. difficile infection in a patient with recent trans-catheter aortic valve replacement.
Case: A 69 year-old female patient who underwent a trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and previous stent placement one month prior to her presentation with refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) who was planned for Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) via colonoscopy. The patient had initially presented with seven days of diarrhea and tested positive for C. Difficile toxin via EIA.
Conclusion: There is limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of FMT in patients with prosthetic valves. While not a contraindication to FMT, there exists concern for bacterial translocation and subsequent endocarditis. This case illustrates the importance of FMT as a therapeutic modality for severe refractory C. Difficile colitis, particularly in patients with valve replacements.