Imaging manifestations of cat-scratch disease

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1996 Feb;166(2):435-8. doi: 10.2214/ajr.166.2.8553962.

Abstract

Cat-scratch disease affects an estimated 22,000 people in the United States each year, more than half of whom are children or adolescents [1]. It is caused by Bartonella henselae, a gram-negative bacillus usually introduced by the scratch of a cat [2]. In the past, diagnosis was made if three of the following four criteria were met: (1) history of cat exposure with inoculation, (2) positive skin test: (3) absent laboratory and histopathologic evidence of other diseases, and (4) biopsy findings of granulomatous inflammation [3]. Recent identification of the causative organism has led to new diagnostic tests, including serum assays for B. henselae antibodies [4]. Although response of the disease to antibiotics is poor, spontaneous recovery generally occurs within months to years [3].

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Bartonella henselae*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / diagnosis*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / microbiology
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male