Cat Scratch Disease
- Cat scratch disease is a bacterial illness caused by Bartonella henselae infection that spreads through contact with an infected cat, typically from a scratch or bite.
- Clinical Features: A local papule or pustule may develop after 1 week; regional lymphadenopathy develops 2-3 weeks after infection; constitutional symptoms include fever, fatigue, and headache.
- Key Diagnostic Features: Soft tissue swelling of the aerodigestive tract; enlarged, homogeneously enhancing lymph nodes at multiple cervical levels
- DDx: Squamous cell carcinoma (mucosal), lymphoma, sarcoidosis (glottic and supraglottic thickening), adenoid cystic carcinoma (submucosal)
- Serology is confirmatory. Follow-up imaging is suggested in 3-4 weeks to establish resolution—especially critical in older patients where excluding malignancy is a priority. Biopsy is indicated if lymphadenopathy persists.
- Treatment: Cat scratch disease is ypically self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals, but may be life threatening in immunodeficient individuals. Antibiotic therapy can be adjunctive.
