Child Neurology: Bartonella henselae Neuroretinitis in 2 Patients

Neurology. 2022 May 24;98(21):896-900. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200572. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

Abstract

Neuroretinitis due to Bartonella henselae infection is a rare cause of vision loss in children. Two pediatric cases of acute unilateral vision loss accompanied by edema of the optic nerve on fundoscopic examination are presented. Severe causes of vision loss were excluded. During the course of the disease, macular stellate exudates emerged on control fundoscopic examinations, and diagnosis of neuroretinitis was made. A causative agent was confirmed by serologic examination, as high titers of IgM and IgG antibodies to Bartonella henselae were detected. Both patients significantly recovered after oral antibiotic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Bartonella henselae*
  • Blindness / complications
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / complications
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / diagnosis
  • Cat-Scratch Disease* / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neurology*
  • Papilledema* / complications
  • Retinitis* / complications
  • Retinitis* / etiology