Optic neuropathy secondary to cat scratch disease: case report
Ricardo Evangelista Marrocos de Aragão1, Régia Maria Gondim Ramos, Andreya Ferreira Rodrigues Bezerra
1Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. ricardomarrocos@yahoo.com
Arquivos Brasileiros De Oftalmologia
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Cat scratch disease can cause optic neuropathy, a rare condition leading to sudden vision loss. This case report details a boy with neuroretinitis, a complication of Bartonella henselae infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae.
- Ocular complications, including neuroretinitis, affect up to 10% of CSD patients.
- Optic neuropathy is an infrequent but serious manifestation of CSD.
Observation:
- A case of a young boy presenting with neuroretinitis is described.
- The patient experienced sudden, painless, unilateral vision loss.
- Macular star formation was noted, a characteristic sign of this condition.
Findings:
- Bartonella henselae was identified as the causative agent.
- The neuroretinitis was attributed to ocular bartonellosis.
- The condition, though severe, is typically self-limited.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering CSD in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathies.
- Early diagnosis and management can lead to favorable visual outcomes.
- Understanding the ocular manifestations of CSD is crucial for ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists.
