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Cat-scratch disease encephalopathy: a cause of status epilepticus in school-aged children

C E Armengol1, J O Hendley

  • 1University of Virginia, Department of Pediatrics, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 6, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cat-scratch disease encephalopathy can cause status epilepticus in school-aged children. Clinicians should consider this diagnosis in children presenting with seizures, especially after potential Bartonella henselae exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency.
  • Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by cats.
  • CSD can rarely cause neurological complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and describe cases of SE secondary to CSD encephalopathy in school-aged children.
  • To raise awareness among clinicians about this distinct clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of hospital admissions over one year.
  • Identification of patients presenting with SE.
  • Diagnostic confirmation of CSD encephalopathy using indirect fluorescent antibody titers to Bartonella henselae.

Main Results:

  • Six school-aged patients presented with SE.
  • Four of five previously healthy children with SE were diagnosed with CSD encephalopathy.
  • Diagnosis was supported by elevated Bartonella henselae antibody titers.

Conclusions:

  • CSD encephalopathy is a potential cause of SE in school-aged children.
  • This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SE in this age group.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management.

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