Cat scratch disease is an infection which consists of a primary lesion at the site of the cat scratch followed by regional lymphadenopathy and general symptoms including anorexia, malaise, aches, and fever. Unusual manifestations are erythema nodosum, thrombopenic purpura, oculoglandular fever (Parinaud's syndrome), and osteolytic lesions. Involvement of the central nervous system is a relatively uncommon complication of cat scratch disease. This is a case report of a child who exhibited encephalopathy following cat scratch disease.
Report of Case
A 7-year-old Negro boy, was admitted to Parkland Memorial Hospital on Dec 17, 1962, because of convulsions. Until two weeks before admission the patient had been entirely well. At this time a swelling in the left side of his neck was noted which was asymptomatic at first, and then became tender. A week before admission the patient consulted a local physician who treated the boy for fever and cervical lymphadenopathy with