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Published on: April 5, 2011
Generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus in a child with cat-scratch disease and encephalopathy
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus 43205.
Insights
Cat-scratch disease can cause encephalopathy and status epilepticus in children. Most patients recover fully, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in pediatric status epilepticus cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by cats.
- Neurological complications, including encephalopathy, are rare but recognized manifestations of CSD.
Observation:
- This report details a pediatric case of CSD presenting with encephalopathy and status epilepticus.
- The patient experienced prolonged seizures requiring intensive management.
Findings:
- Despite the severe presentation, the majority of children with CSD-associated encephalopathy recover without lasting neurological deficits.
- This case and prior literature support a favorable prognosis in most affected children.
Implications:
- Pediatric neurologists and infectious disease specialists should include CSD in the differential diagnosis for unexplained status epilepticus.
- Early recognition and appropriate management of CSD can prevent long-term sequelae in affected children.
Abstract:
Cat-scratch disease occasionally can be associated with encephalopathy and present as status epilepticus. However, the majority of these patients recover without sequelae, as shown by our patient and previous reports. Cat-scratch disease with encephalopathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of status epilepticus in children.
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