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Cat scratch disease neuroretinitis: A case report
Ahmed Mahjoub1, Foued Bellazreg1,2, Nadia Ben Abdesslem1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, University of Medicine of Sousse, Tunisia.
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012)
|August 30, 2021
Summary
Cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, can lead to neuroretinitis, a rare eye condition. Prompt diagnosis via serologic testing and appropriate antibiotic treatment, often with corticosteroids, results in favorable vision recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a common infection caused by Bartonella henselae.
- Neuroretinitis is a rare but recognized ocular manifestation of CSD.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old woman presented with decreased vision in her left eye.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed optic disc edema and macular exudates forming an incomplete macular star.
- Positive serologic tests for Bartonella henselae (IgG 1:2560) confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient received a diagnosis of CSD-associated neuroretinitis.
- Treatment included doxycycline, rifampicin, and oral prednisolone.
- Vision returned to normal (10/10) with resolution of funduscopic and OCT findings after 12 months.
Implications:
- CSD neuroretinitis diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and serologic confirmation (IFA/ELISA).
- Treatment involves antibiotics targeting intracellular bacteria, potentially with corticosteroids for severe cases.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis typically lead to good visual outcomes.
