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Cat-scratch disease mimicking rhabdomyosarcoma
1Division of Infectious Disease, University of Illinois School of Medicine, Urbana.
Orthopaedic Review
|October 1, 1993
Summary
A pediatric elbow mass, initially misdiagnosed, was identified as cat-scratch disease. This highlights the importance of considering infectious causes for soft tissue masses in children.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Soft tissue masses in the extremities of children can present diagnostic challenges.
- Epitrochlear masses are uncommon and require careful evaluation.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with an epitrochlear mass after an elbow injury.
- Initial diagnoses included hematoma and myositis ossificans.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination revealed a lymph node with reactive germinal centers.
- Microbiological and specific stains were negative for common pathogens.
- Serological testing confirmed *Rochalimaea henselae* (now *Bartonella henselae*), indicating cat-scratch disease.
Implications:
- Cat-scratch disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses in the extremities, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of this potential diagnosis when evaluating such cases.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical suspicion, imaging, and serological testing.