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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
04:59
Cheek Injection Model for Simultaneous Measurement of Pain and Itch-related Behaviors
Published on: September 27, 2019
Parotid mass due to cat scratch disease
C Petrogiannopoulos1, K Valla, A Mikelis
1Second Department of Medicine, Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece.
International Journal of Clinical Practice
|May 4, 2006
Summary
Cat scratch disease (CSD), a Bartonella henselae infection, causes chronic lymphadenopathy. This case highlights CSD as a key differential diagnosis for neck masses in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae.
- It typically presents as chronic lymphadenopathy, often self-limiting.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 22-year-old woman presented with a painful submandibular swelling and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Her history revealed frequent contact with cats.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of Bartonella henselae infection was confirmed by high immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibody titers.
- The patient recovered spontaneously within one month without antibiotic treatment or surgery.
Implications:
- CSD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neck masses, particularly in young individuals.
- Obtaining a detailed personal history, including animal contact, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
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