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Renal microabscesses due to Bartonella infection.
Nedda Salehi1, Haidee Custodio, Mobeen H Rathore
1General Academic and Hospital Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 15, 2010
Summary
Cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, can present with unusual kidney microabscesses. This case highlights a rare presentation without other abdominal abscesses in a child.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Nephrology
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection typically caused by Bartonella henselae.
- CSD commonly presents with lymphadenopathy, but can have atypical manifestations.
Observation:
- A previously healthy child presented with prolonged fever and headaches.
- Initial abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable, but subsequent CT scan identified bilateral renal microabscesses.
Findings:
- Elevated Bartonella henselae IgG and IgM titers confirmed the diagnosis of CSD.
- The presence of bilateral renal microabscesses without other intra-abdominal abscesses is a unique finding.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of renal manifestations of cat scratch disease.
- Highlights the importance of considering CSD in pediatric patients with unexplained fever and renal findings.
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