Hepatosplenic cat scratch disease in immunocompetent adults: report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2014 Oct;93(17):267-279. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000089.

Abstract

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is the most frequent presentation of Bartonella henselae infection. It has a worldwide distribution and is associated with a previous history of scratch or bite from a cat or dog. CSD affects children and teenagers more often (80%) than adults, and it usually has a self-limiting clinical course. Atypical clinical course or systemic symptoms are described in 5%-20% of patients. Among them, hepatosplenic (HS) forms (abscess) have been described. The majority of published cases have affected children or immunosuppressed patients. Few cases of HS forms of CSD in immunocompetent adult hosts have been reported, and data about the management of this condition are scarce. Herein, we present 3 new cases of HS forms of CSD in immunocompetent adults and review 33 other cases retrieved from the literature. We propose an approach to clinical diagnosis and treatment with oral azithromycin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Abscess* / diagnosis
  • Abdominal Abscess* / therapy
  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bartonella henselae*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / diagnosis
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Liver Abscess* / diagnosis
  • Liver Abscess* / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Splenic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Splenic Diseases / microbiology*
  • Splenic Diseases / therapy