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Cat-scratch disease presenting as status epilepticus. A case report
Insights
A boy with cat-scratch disease experienced sudden seizures due to encephalopathy. Prompt diagnosis using skin tests and lymph node examination avoided complex brain imaging.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection typically transmitted by cats.
- Encephalopathy is a general term for brain dysfunction.
- Status epilepticus is a prolonged seizure event.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with sudden, asymmetrical status epilepticus.
- Physical examination revealed a scalp wound, cervical lymphadenopathy, and a history of cat contact.
- These findings suggested CSD complicated by encephalopathy.
Findings:
- Histological examination of a cervical lymph node confirmed the diagnosis.
- A positive skin test with cat-scratch antigen further supported the diagnosis.
- The diagnosis was rapidly established.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of CSD-related encephalopathy is crucial.
- Prompt diagnosis can prevent the need for extensive neuroradiological investigations.
- This case highlights the importance of considering CSD in pediatric neurological emergencies.
Abstract:
A 12-year-old Bedouin boy presented with sudden asymmetrical status epilepticus. The presence of a scalp wound, rubbery cervical lymphadenopathy and a history of contact with cats suggested the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease complicated by encephalopathy. The diagnosis was supported by histological examination of a cervical lymph node and a positive skin test with cat-scratch antigen. The rapid establishment of the diagnosis avoided the necessity of elaborate and complicated neuroradiological investigations.