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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Retinal artery occlusion due to Bartonella henselae infection: a case series
Maya Eiger-Moscovich1, Radgonde Amer2, Merih Oray3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Insights
Bartonella henselae infection can cause branch retinal artery occlusion. Early recognition of this cause of vision loss is crucial for preventing further ocular events.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Differential diagnosis for BRAO typically includes embolic or thrombotic events.
Observation:
- This case series reports six patients with BRAO linked to Bartonella henselae infection.
- Patients presented with BRAO, with or without neuroretinitis; one had multiple occlusions.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of cat scratch disease was confirmed via serology and systemic symptoms after excluding other causes.
- Treatment involved antibiotics and systemic steroids, with visual outcomes varying based on the affected artery.
Implications:
- Cat scratch disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinal artery occlusion.
- Prompt identification and treatment may prevent permanent visual field defects and further vascular events.
Purpose:
To report a case series of six patients suffering from branch retinal artery occlusion due to Bartonella henselae infection, in order to raise awareness to this etiology in the differential diagnosis of retinal artery occlusion.
Methods:
A retrospective case series of patients with branch retinal artery occlusion due to ocular cat scratch disease who presented at four tertiary medical centers in Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia between the years 2008-2014. Data retrieved from the medical records included demographic data, exposure, complaints, visual acuity, clinical findings and imaging, laboratory assessment, treatment, disease course and visual outcome.
Results:
The study group consisted of six patients who presented with branch retinal artery occlusion with or without neuroretinitis. One patient had multiple artery occlusions. Diagnosis of cat scratch disease was established based on positive serology and accompanying systemic symptoms, after ruling out other causes of retinal artery occlusion. Treatment included various regimens of antibiotics and systemic steroids. Visual outcome depended upon the obstructed artery.
Conclusion:
Cat scratch disease may cause retinal artery occlusion in infected patients, leaving them with a permanent visual field defect. When retinal artery occlusion occurs as an early sign of the disease, prompt recognition may prevent further events. Thorough history and relevant tests may be of great value.
