Clinical case of cat scratch disease with abscesses of the kidneys, liver and spleen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/SP.2025.5(149).164166Keywords:
children, cat scratch disease, visceral abscesses, prolonged fever, treatmentAbstract
Cat scratch disease (CSD) caused by Bartonella henselae is a benign, self-limiting disease with typical manifestations, including fever and regional lymphadenitis. However, in atypical forms, the microorganisms spread and infect the liver, spleen, eyes or central nervous system. It is important to recognize patients with disseminated disease to prevent life-threatening complications.
Aim - to present a case of disseminated CSD to improve diagnostic accuracy and prevent life-threatening complications.
Clinical case. We reviewed the medical history of a 14-year-old boy with a 15-day history of fever up to 39°C. The dynamics of clinical manifestations and the results of additional examination were analyzed.
Conclusion. In cases of unexplained prolonged fever, cat scratch disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Imaging studies are recommended to rule out visceral abscesses.
References
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Narinx J, Poncin A, Huynen P, Giot MMJ. (2017, Jul). Hepatosplenic lesions due to a systemic bartonellosis in an immunocompetent patient. Rev Med Liege. 72(7-8): 331-335. PMID: 28795543.
Shorbatli LA, Koranyi KI, Nahata MC. (2018, Dec). Effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in pediatric patients with cat scratch disease. Int J Clin Pharm. 40(6): 1458-1461. Epub 2018 Nov 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-018-0746-1; PMid:30446895
Spach DH, Kaplan SL. (2024, Nov 20). Microbiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of cat scratch disease. URL: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/microbiology-epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-cat-scratch-disease.
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