Cat scratch disease presenting as acute encephalopathy

Emerg Med J. 2008 Oct;25(10):703-4. doi: 10.1136/emj.2008.060616.

Abstract

An unusual case of primary meningo-encephalitis followed by partial complex seizure in a 9-year-old boy was found to be a symptom of cerebral Bartonella henselae infection or cat scratch disease. Despite one clinical relapse at 4 weeks post-presentation, he remained seizure free on carbamazepine for one year. Six months after stopping carbamazepine, however, he developed deja vu phenomena and absence seizures with EEG abnormality. Restarting carbamazepine improved his symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Bartonella henselae / isolation & purification*
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / diagnosis*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / drug therapy
  • Cats
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalitis / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine