Atypical Bartonella hensalae chorioretinitis in an immunocompromised patient

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2008 Jan-Feb;16(1):45-9. doi: 10.1080/09273940801899780.

Abstract

Purpose: To report an atypical case of chorioretinopathy in a patient with bilateral renal transplantations.

Methods: A 55-year-old female was referred for management of birdshot chorioretinopathy. Ophthalmologic examination revealed bilateral yellowish, chorioretinal lesions with adjacent hemorrhages.

Results: Angiography demonstrated lesions with hyperfluorescence, leakage, and diffuse macular edema. OCT showed intraretinal edema. Laboratory evaluation revealed IgG antibodies for Bartonella hensalae. Treatment with oral ciprofloxacin led to regression of lesions, resolution of macular edema, and improvement in visual acuity.

Conclusion: Multifocal chorioretinal lesions associated with B. hensalae can be atypical ophthalmic manifestations of cat-scratch disease (CSD), which may occur in immunosuppressed patients. Recognition of underlying disease and appropriate therapy can lead to improved outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiomatosis, Bacillary* / drug therapy
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Atypical Bacterial Forms
  • Bartonella henselae
  • Chorioretinitis / diagnosis
  • Chorioretinitis / microbiology*
  • Ciprofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Macular Edema / microbiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin