Cat-scratch disease: a rare cause of osteomyelitis.

Cat-scratch disease is a zoonosis caused by Bartonella henselae, characterised by regional lymphadenopathy. Rarer presentations, such as osteomyelitis, can occur.We present an adolescent girl with severe right lumbar pain and fever, without animal contacts or recent travels. On examination, pain on flexion of torso, movement limitation and marked lordosis were noted, but there were no inflammatory signs, palpable masses or lymph nodes. Serological investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers. Imaging revealed a paravertebral abscess with bone erosion. Several microbiological agents were ruled out. After a second CT-guided biopsy, PCR for Bartonella spp was positive. At this point, the family recalled having a young cat some time before. Cat-scratch disease was diagnosed, and complete recovery achieved after treatment with doxycycline and rifampicin.Cat-scratch disease is a challenging diagnosis in the absence of typical features. However, B. henselae must be investigated if common pathogens are ruled out and response to therapy is poor.

Bartonella henselae Infection and Lymphadenopathy in a Patient With T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Patients undergoing therapy for T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia are at risk of infections during their treatment course. Cat scratch disease caused by Bartonella hensalae can masquerade as leukemic relapse and cause systemic infection. Obtaining a thorough exposure history may aid clinicians in making the diagnosis.

Atypical Cat Scratch Disease With Splenic Lesion Mimicking Kawasaki Disease in a Healthy 5-Year-old Girl.

BACKGROUND: Atypical cat scratch disease (CSD) and Kawasaki disease (KD) are differential diagnoses of pediatric febrile illnesses. Diagnosing atypical CSD can be challenging because of its wide range of symptoms. However, its similarity to KD has rarely been addressed. METHODS: We present the case of a 5-year-old girl with atypical CSD and splenic lesions who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for KD. We also conducted a literature review of previous cases in which CSD was suspected alongside KD and detailed the diagnosis and treatment processes. RESULTS: A previously healthy 5-year-old girl with prolonged fever and symptoms resembling those of KD was admitted to our hospital. There was no evidence of an abnormal coronary artery, and her condition did not improve after the initial treatment for KD and bacterial infection. A history of contact with cats and multiple granulomatous lesions in the spleen on abdominal ultrasonography led to a clinical diagnosis of atypical CSD. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment resulted in symptom resolution. Elevated serum Bartonella henselae IgG and IgM antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of CSD. In this case, we avoided second-line treatment for KD with an alternative CSD diagnosis. Additionally, we identified 4 documented cases of CSD presenting with KD-like features in the literature. Intravenous immunoglobulin was ineffective in all cases, including the present case. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of atypical CSD where KD is suspected, actively seeking organ-specific symptoms may facilitate an early clinical diagnosis of CSD. Adopting this approach could yield multiple advantages, including reduced invasiveness for the patient and decreased healthcare-related expenditures.

Encefalomielite aguda disseminada com provável etiologia de Bartonella henselae / Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with probable Bartonella henselae etiology

RESUMO A encefalomielite aguda disseminada é uma doença rara, aguda, inflamatória e desmielinizante do sistema nervoso central, presumivelmente associada, em mais de três quartos dos casos, a infecções (virais, bacterianas ou inespecíficas) e imunizações ou sem qualquer antecedente indentificável. Habitualmente, apresenta um curso monofásico com início de sintomas inespecíficos na fase prodrómica, podendo evoluir com alterações neurológicas multifocais e até à perda total da acuidade visual. Descrevemos o caso de um menino de 9 anos com quadro inicial de edema de papila causado por encefalomielite aguda disseminada devido a Bartonella henselae. Apesar da gravidade da doença, o diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce proporcionaram bons desfechos.

ABSTRACT Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is a rare, acute, inflammatory, and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Presumably associated in more than three quarters of cases by infections (viral, bacterial, or nonspecific) and immunizations or without any identifiable antecedent. It usually presents a monophasic course with onset of nonspecific symptoms in the prodromal phase and may evolve with multifocal neurological changes and even visual acuity loss. We describe a case of a 9-year-old boy with an initial picture of papillary edema caused by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis due to Bartonella henselae. Despite the severity of the disease, early diagnosis and treatment provided good outcomes.

Variantes en la presentación clínica de la enfermedad por arañazo de gato en niños del hospital Garrahan / Variants in the clinical presentation of cat scratch disease in children at Garrahan Hospital

La infección por Bartonella henselae (BH) adopta diversas formas de presentación clínica en pediatría. Según la bibliografía la forma de presentación más frecuente en pacientes inmunocompetentes es la linfadenopatía única asociada a fiebre. En el 85 % de los casos se compromete un solo ganglio siendo los axilares y los epitrocleares los más frecuentemente involucrados. Existen otras formas de presentación menos frecuentes que debemos tener en consideración, para poder realizar un diagnóstico precoz e indicar un tratamiento adecuado si así lo requiere. El diagnóstico requiere de la sospecha clínica del equipo de salud tratante, junto al antecedente epidemiológico, los hallazgos clínicos del examen físico y la realización de serologías que incluyan el dosaje de inmunoglobulina M y G. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron reconocer las manifestaciones clínicas típicas y atípicas de la EAG por Bartonella henselae, describir la epidemiología, características clínicas y evolución de esta enfermedad que se presentaron en nuestro hospital. Se estudiaron un total de 187 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 7.6 años (rango 1-14); siendo 53.5% de género masculino. Las formas de presentación más frecuentes en nuestro trabajo fueron la adenitis y la fiebre. La mayoría recibió diversos esquemas de tratamiento antibiótico, secundario al retraso en el diagnóstico. La tasa de hospitalización fue muy baja, remitió con tratamiento ambulatorio con antibióticos o sin ellos (AU)

Bartonella henselae infection has different clinical presentations in pediatrics. According to the literature, the most common form of presentation in immunocompetent patients is single lymphadenopathy associated with fever. In 85 % of the cases a single lymph node is involved, with the axillary and epitrochlear nodes being the most commonly involved. There are other, less frequent, forms of presentation that should be taken into consideration in order to make an early diagnosis and indicate appropriate treatment if required. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion by the treating healthcare team, together with the epidemiological history, clinical findings on physical examination, and serology including immunoglobulin M and G dosage. The objectives of this study were to identify both the typical and atypical clinical manifestations of Bartonella henselae cat scratch disease, to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of cases presenting at our hospital. A total of 187 patients were studied. The mean age was 7.6 years (range 1-14); 53.5% were male. The most frequent forms of presentation in our study were adenitis and fever. Most of them received different antibiotic treatment regimens due to delayed diagnosis. The hospitalization rate was very low and the disease typically resolved with outpatient treatment, with or without antibiotics (AU)

A case of hepatosplenic cat scratch disease with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is associated with Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection caused by cat scratches or bites. It typically presents with lymphadenitis and fever. However, there are atypical cases such as hepatosplenic CSD, which presents with specific lesions in the liver and spleen. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and severe multisystem disorder triggered by infections, cancers, or autoimmune diseases. We experienced a rare case of hepatosplenic CSD with HLH in a non-immunocompromised adult. A 78-year-old woman complained of fever and fatigue. Laboratory tests revealed anemia and liver dysfunction; abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed splenomegaly and nodular hypodense areas in the spleen. In addition, the levels of ferritin and serum soluble IL-2R were markedly elevated, so clinical diagnosis of HLH was made. Positron emission tomography/CT revealed diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the liver and spleen suggesting malignant lymphoma, while the pathological findings from liver biopsy suggested infectious diseases. Although she had no cat bites and scratches, she had many cats; therefore, serum B. henselae antibody titers were measured. The B. henselae IgG and IgM titer were 1:128 and 1:20; thus, she was diagnosed with hepatosplenic CSD. Patients with hepatosplenic nodular lesions and contact with cats should be considered for this disease.

Unilateral Conjunctivitis With Multifocal Granulomatous Lesions in a Child Aged 10 Years.

This case report discusses a diagnosis of Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome in a child aged 10 years who presented with a granulomatous conjunctivitis in the left eye.

A Case of Culture-Negative Endocarditis Due to Bartonella henselae and Cat Scratch Disease.

This report describes the case of a 73-year-old female with a history of a prosthetic mitral valve and breast cancer who presented with fever and confusion. Brain imaging revealed multiple ischemic infarcts, and abdominal imaging demonstrated splenic infarcts. Workup with transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a vegetation on the aortic valve, but several blood cultures had no bacterial growth. Further history revealed a recent exposure to a stray cat, and the patient was found to have positive antibodies for Bartonella henselae, the organism implicated in cat scratch disease. She was treated with the appropriate course of antibiotics, and she made a full recovery to her baseline functional status. This report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive patient history and a broad differential diagnosis.

[Two patients with cat scratch disease]. / Twee patiënten met kattenkrabziekte.

BACKGROUND: Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae infection. CSD is usually characterized by self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy. However, sometimes CSD presents as a disseminated disease with multiple organ involvement. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: We describe two patients with CSD. Patient A, an 18-year old woman, was referred because of fatigue, a subfebrile temperature and axillary lymphadenopathy. Patient B, a 50-year old man, visited the emergency ward with fever, back pain and painful inguinal lymphadenopathy. MRI showed osteitis of vertebrae and hepatic abcesses. In both patients symptoms started after being scratched by a cat and both were tested positive for infection with Bartonella henselae. Patient B was treated with antibiotics. Both patients made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: Recent contact with a cat in a patient with unexplained fever and lymphadenopathy raises the possibility of CSD. Diagnosis can be confirmed by serologic testing, histopathology or PCR. Antimicrobial treatment must be considered in all cases.

[A rare case of hepatosplenic cat scratch disease].

A female patient in her 60s, treated with oral corticosteroids for scleroderma diagnosed 11 years ago, visited our hospital complaining of a persistent fever and liver dysfunction. She was treated with antibiotics, but her fever continued. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic splenic masses. Splenic masses revealed multiple masses with no contrast effect in arterial and portal phases and nuclear in equilibrium phase by contrast computed tomography study, as well as hyperintensity masses with low signal areas in magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted images. Liver tissue was obtained by percutaneous liver biopsy, and histological findings showed epithelioid cell granulomas without tumor cells. Further interview and physical examination revealed scratch scars from domestic cats and left axillary lymph node swelling. Hence, a cat scratch disease was suspected. She was diagnosed with cat scratch disease by serum indirect immunofluorescence. Her fever was resolved with minocycline administration. Therefore, persistent fever with splenic masses should be suspected of hepatosplenic cat scratch disease.

Enfermedad por arañazo de gato: experiencia en unhospital pediátrico de tercer nivel / Cat-scratch disease: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. Bartonella henselae es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por arañazo de gato. Afecta a niños y a adultos jóvenes. El espectro clínico es amplio; la forma de presentación más frecuente es la linfadenopatía única. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar epidemiología, características clínicas y evolución de esta enfermedad en un hospital de alta complejidad de Argentina. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional realizado en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel, desde el 01 de enero de 2019 hasta el 30 de junio de 2021. Se incluyeron niños de 0 a 16 años con clínica compatible y serología positiva. Resultados. Se incluyeron 150 niños, con una media de edad de 7,9 años ± 3,68. El 68,7 % refirió tener contacto con gatos. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fueron las adenopatías únicas (84,7 %) localizadas en cabeza y cuello. El síndrome febril sin foco motivó la consulta en el 15,5 % de los casos, con ecografía abdominal patológica en el 85,7 %. Presentó IgM e IgG positivas el 88 %. Con el resultado de la serología positiva, el 44 % recibió tratamiento antibiótico. Las adenopatías prolongadas fueron la principal causa de su instauración; el más utilizado fue la azitromicina (42,4 %). El 14 % (n = 21) requirió internación. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico implica sospecha clínica, nexo epidemiológico y exámenes complementarios. Su forma típica son las adenomegalias únicas localizadas en cabeza y cuello. Debido a la alta frecuencia de compromiso hepatoesplénico, la realización de ecografía abdominal estaría indicada en niños con fiebre.

Introduction. Bartonella henselae is the etiologic agent in cat-scratch disease. It affects children and young adults. The clinical spectrum is wide; the most common clinical presentation is a solitary lymphadenopathy. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, clinical features, and course of this disease in a tertiary care hospital in Argentina. Population and methods. Retrospective, descriptive, and observational study conducted at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from January 1st, 2019 to June 30 th, 2021. Children aged 0 to 16 years with compatible clinical signs and symptoms and positive serology were included. Results. A total of 150 patients were included; their mean age was 7.9 years ± 3.68. Of them, 68.7% reported having contact with cats. The most common reason for consultation was the presence of solitary lymphadenopathies (84.7%) in the head and neck. Febrile syndrome without source was the reason for consultation in 15.5% of cases, with a pathological abdominal ultrasound scan in 85.7%. IgM and IgG were positive in 88%. With the result of a positive serology test, 44% received antibiotic treatment. Protracted lymphadenopathy was the main reason for antibiotic treatment; the agent most commonly used was azithromycin (42.4%). Fourteen percent (n = 21) required hospitalization. Conclusions. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, epidemiological history, and complementary testing. Its typical presentation is a solitary enlarged lymph node in the head and neck. Due to the high frequency of hepatosplenic involvement, an abdominal ultrasound scan would be indicated in children with fever.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis Induced by Bartonella henselae (Cat-Scratch Disease) Might Be Reversible.

INTRODUCTION: Bartonella henselae infection leads to development of cat-scratch disease (CSD) but may also trigger of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 4-year-old boy with a severe fever of unknown etiology, disseminated neck lymphadenopathy, and a headache. Treatment with antibiotics was employed, but finally a left tonsillectomy, selective left lymphadenectomy, and immunophenotyping were performed to exclude lymphoma. Histologic examination excluded lymphoma but revealed CSD. IgG against B. henselae and Bartonella quintana was positive. A goiter was also found and positive anti-thyroid antibodies confirmed AIT. Two months later, the thyroid was not palpable, normal on ultrasound, and both anti-thyroid antibodies were negative. The full reversibility was documented, and 6-year follow-up showed that the patient remains disease free. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that AIT triggered by B. henselae/B. qunitana might be reversible if the pathogenetic factor is eliminated at an early stage of disease.

Cat-scratch disease: Experience in a tertiary care children's hospital. / Enfermedad por arañazo de gato: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel.

Introduction. Bartonella henselae is the etiologic agent in cat-scratch disease. It affects children and young adults. The clinical spectrum is wide; the most common clinical presentation is a solitary lymphadenopathy. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, clinical features, and course of this disease in a tertiary care hospital in Argentina. Population and methods. Retrospective, descriptive, and observational study conducted at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from January 1st , 2019 to June 30th, 2021. Children aged 0 to 16 years with compatible clinical signs and symptoms and positive serology were included. Results. A total of 150 patients were included; their mean age was 7.9 years ± 3.68. Of them, 68.7% reported having contact with cats. The most common reason for consultation was the presence of solitary lymphadenopathies (84.7%) in the head and neck. Febrile syndrome without source was the reason for consultation in 15.5% of cases, with a pathological abdominal ultrasound scan in 85.7%. IgM and IgG were positive in 88%. With the result of a positive serology test, 44% received antibiotic treatment. Protracted lymphadenopathy was the main reason for antibiotic treatment; the agent most commonly used was azithromycin (42.4%). Fourteen percent (n = 21) required hospitalization. Conclusions. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, epidemiological history, and complementary testing. Its typical presentation is a solitary enlarged lymph node in the head and neck. Due to the high frequency of hepatosplenic involvement, an abdominal ultrasound scan would be indicated in children with fever.

Introducción. Bartonella henselae es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por arañazo de gato. Afecta a niños y a adultos jóvenes. El espectro clínico es amplio; la forma de presentación más frecuente es la linfadenopatía única. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar epidemiología, características clínicas y evolución de esta enfermedad en un hospital de alta complejidad de Argentina. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional realizado en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel, desde el 01 de enero de 2019 hasta el 30 de junio de 2021. Se incluyeron niños de 0 a 16 años con clínica compatible y serología positiva. Resultados. Se incluyeron 150 niños, con una media de edad de 7,9 años ± 3,68. El 68,7 % refirió tener contacto con gatos. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fueron las adenopatías únicas (84,7 %) localizadas en cabeza y cuello. El síndrome febril sin foco motivó la consulta en el 15,5 % de los casos, con ecografía abdominal patológica en el 85,7 %. Presentó IgM e IgG positivas el 88 %. Con el resultado de la serología positiva, el 44 % recibió tratamiento antibiótico. Las adenopatías prolongadas fueron la principal causa de su instauración; el más utilizado fue la azitromicina (42,4 %). El 14 % (n = 21) requirió internación. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico implica sospecha clínica, nexo epidemiológico y exámenes complementarios. Su forma típica son las adenomegalias únicas localizadas en cabeza y cuello. Debido a la alta frecuencia de compromiso hepatoesplénico, la realización de ecografía abdominal estaría indicada en niños con fiebre.

A case report of diagnosis of cat-scratch disease using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an anthropozoonotic infection caused by Bartonella henselae, and it is one of the most common causes of lymph node infections in children and adolescents. B. henselae, belonging to the genus Bartonella, is a common human pathogen of human beings. CSD commonly develops as a result of cat scratches and bites or when injured skin comes into contact with cat saliva. The manifestation of CSD clinically differs for each patient based on their immune system. Individuals who have healthy immune systems generally manifest minimal clinical symptoms and do not necessitate any form of treatment. However, patients who have hypo-immunity require prompt medical attention due to the potential manifestation of severe symptoms that affect multiple systems of the body. Long latency and atypical clinical manifestations are characteristics of CSD. Bartonella isolation and identification are challenging procedures that require specialized equipment. There is no gold standard method for CSD diagnosis, and misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis rates are typically high. We present the case of a middle-aged male patient who developed fever, chills, anal distension, dizziness, and muscle pain for 10 days. The patient had a documented history of cat bites 1 month prior to the onset of symptoms. Following admission, he underwent an examination to determine superficial lymphadenopathy and hypoimmunity. Additionally, he had a fever during the disease. As the patient refused a needle biopsy of lymph nodes, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was employed and B. henselae was detected in the peripheral blood. The patient was diagnosed with CSD and treated with a combination of azithromycin and doxycycline. The fever symptoms were alleviated, and the patient was ultimately discharged. As a result of this case, we suggest that mNGS be used as a crucial supplementary diagnostic tool for individuals with compromised immune systems who may have CSD, especially when conventional diagnostic methods are inconclusive.

Cat scratch disease with generalized bone lesions in an immunocompetent child.

A 9-year-old immunocompetent girl with prolonged fever for 1 month was suspected of having a malignancy because of generalized bone abnormalities identified by MRI. Histopathology of liver tissues indicated the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease (CSD). Results of NGS, immunofluorescence and immunochemical assay confirmed the causative agent was Bartonella henselae. Paediatricians should increase their awareness of CSD as a cause for bone lesions, except for malignancy.

Cat scratch lesions as a manifestation of chronic colitis due to spirochetosis.

Barotrauma or cat scratch is an unusual finding on colonoscopy. The etiology is unknown, but insufflation associated with increased rigidity of the colonic wall due to various pathological processes has been postulated as a pathogenic mechanism. Some authors observed the same associated with collagenous colitis, IBD(Inflammatory Bowel Diseases), intestinal ischemia, shunt colitis and intake of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In all the cases described, Co2 was used for insufflation.

Clinical utility of whole body diffusion-weighted imaging in an immunocompetent adult with atypical cat scratch disease.

BACKGROUND: Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease caused by Bartonella henselae. CSD follows a typical course, characterized by regional lymphadenopathy. In atypical CSD, the lesions spread to systemic organs and can cause fever of unknown origin (FUO). A previous study showed the usefulness of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for limited areas in the diagnosis of FUO, but there are no studies on the clinical utility of whole-body DWI (WB-DWI). We herein report the case of an immunocompetent young man in whom contrast-enhanced CT-unidentifiable multiple liver abscess and osteomyelitis were successfully detected by WB-DWI. Follow-up with a liver biopsy helped confirm an atypical CSD diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old previously healthy man was admitted for a 19-day history of high fever despite 3-day treatment by azithromycin. His physical examination was unremarkable and contrast-enhanced CT showed only a low attenuated area in the right lobe of the liver, indicating a cyst. WB-DWI revealed multiple nodular lesions of hypo-diffusion in the liver, spine, and pelvic region. The biopsy specimens of the liver abscess showed no evidence of tuberculosis/malignancy and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test of liver abscess aspirate showed positive findings for Bartonellahenselae, confirming the diagnosis of CSD. He completed minocycline monotherapy for a total of 60 days without any deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: WB-DWI can be useful for the diagnosis of atypical CSD with hepatic and bone involvement, which can cause FUO in young immunocompetent adults.

Enfermedad por arañazo de gato atípica: compromiso ocular y meníngeo por Bartonella henselae / Atypical cat scratch disease: Bartonella henselae ocular and meningeal involvement

Bartonella henselae es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por arañazo de gato. Típicamente, se presenta como una linfadenopatía regional autolimitada y, con menor frecuencia, con compromiso sistémico y manifestaciones extraganglionares: hígado, bazo, hueso y ojo, entre otros. Se presenta un caso de enfermedad por arañazo de gato atípica en un paciente pediátrico inmunocompetente, en la que se evidenció compromiso meníngeo y ocular, este último como neurorretinitis. Se destaca la importancia de la búsqueda activa de complicaciones oculares en pacientes con compromiso sistémico por Bartonella henselae, que implica un cambio en el tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad

Bartonella henselae is the etiologic agent of cat scratch disease. It typically presents as a self-limited regional lymphadenopathy and less frequently with systemic involvement and extranodal manifestations: liver, spleen, bone, eye, among others. A case of atypical cat scratch disease is presented in an immunocompetent pediatric patient, in which meningeal and ocular involvement was evidenced, the latter manifested as neuroretinitis. The importance of the active search for ocular complications in patients with systemic involvement by Bartonella henselae is highlighted, implying a change in the treatment and prognosis of the disease