[A case report of cat scratch disease which mimicked a metastasis of lung cancer]

A 67-year-old woman to our hospital because of the swelling of lymph nodes in the right inguinal region. Eighteen months before, right lower lobectomy was performed for primary lung cancer (papillary adenocarcinoma). In September 1986, she noticed the swelling of lymph no does in the right inguinal region and low grade fever. At first she was suspected to have a metastasis of the lung cancer. Lymph node biopsy was performed. The pathological examination revealed purulent lymphadenitis with granulomatous change, and Gram-negative Warthin Starry stain positive rods were found. In addition, she admitted a history of keeping cats fourteen years. Therefore the diagnosis of cat scratch disease was made. Six months later, she became free of the associated symptoms. We feel pathological confirmation of suspicious lymph nodes is important in the treatment of patients with history of malignancy.