Cat-scratch disease simulating Histiocytosis X

Cat-scratch disease is a self-limited condition commonly causing a benign chronic lymphadenopathy in children. Osteolytic lesions are a rare complication, but have been previously reported. We report a case of a solitary osteolytic lesion of the skull whose clinical, radiographic and pathological features were initially interpreted as being consistent with Histiocytosis X. Subsequently, positive serological titers for Bartonella, a history of a cat-scratch antecedent to the onset of clinical symptoms and review of the original histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease. We reviewed the English language literature on osteolytic lesions associated with cat-scratch disease and compare the current case with those previously reported.