A case of cat scratch disease neuroretinitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction

BACKGROUND: Cat scratch disease neuroretinitis is caused by infection by Bartonella henselae. To demonstrate B. henselae infection, serologic examination is commonly used, but sometimes serologic examination is not adequate for correct diagnosis. Here we present a case of cat scratch disease neuroretinitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in addition to serologic examination. CASE: A 55-year-old woman, presenting with headache and high fever, had noticed visual disturbance. The best-corrected visual acuity in her right eye was 0.01. Meningitis, optic neuritis and retinitis were observed and she was treated with oral prednisolone. After repeated questioning, the patient remembered being scratched by a cat. Systemic examination focusing on B. henselae infection was conducted and B. henselae-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, but not IgM, was detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. To confirm B. henselae infection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using cerebrospinal fluid was performed and the presence of B. henselae-specific DNA was demonstrated. From these results, we diagnosed cat scratch disease neuroretinitis and treated the patient with minocycline hydrochloride together with prednisolone. Following this treatment regimen, the patient's condition improved, and the best-corrected visual acuity in her right eye increased to 0.6 five months after the onset.CONCLUSION: The PCR technique is useful to correctly diagnose cat scratch disease neuroretinitis, if patients exhibit marginal data on B. henselae-specific antibody titer.     

Macular hole following Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis

PURPOSE. To report a case of macular hole secondary to Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis. METHODS. Observational case report. An 11 year-old boy presented urgently with a decrease of visual acuity in the left eye. Posterior segment examination revealed neuroretinitis attributed to Bartonella henselae. Treatment was initiated, resulting in the disappearance of symptoms. RESULTS. Follow-up consultations 7 months later showed a further decline in visual acuity secondary to a macular hole. CONCLUSIONS. Cat scratch disease is a rare pathology and is most often considered benign. Serious complications can nonetheless occur, such as neuroretinitis, choroidal nodules, and disciform keratitis. The authors report a case of sequellar macular hole. They found only one previous report of macular hole caused by B henselae, which, contrary to their case, appeared rapidly 12 days after presentation.     

Optic disk edema associated with peripapillary serous retinal detachment: an early sign of systemic Bartonella henselae infection

PURPOSE: To describe optic disk edema associated with peripapillary serous retinal detachment as an early sign of systemic Bartonella henselae infection. METHODS: Multicentered, retrospective case series. RESULTS: Five women and two men presented with optic disk edema producing peripapillary serous retinal detachment. Each patient had a markedly elevated serum anti-B. henselae antibody titer. Patient age ranged from 11 to 44 years, with a mean and median of 26.6 and 28 years, respectively. The time from the onset of systemic symptoms to the onset of visual symptoms varied from 3 days to 1 month. The peripapillary serous retinal detachment resolved within 1 to 3 weeks in each case, producing a macular star in four of seven patients. Initial vision was 20/200 or worse in five of seven patients and improved in four of these five patients to 20/30 or better. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic B. henselae infection should be considered in patients who develop optic disk edema associated with a peripapillary serous retinal detachment, even in the absence of classic neuroretinitis with a macular star.     

Cat-scratch neuroretinitis.

BACKGROUND: Cat-scratch disease is a subacute regional lymphadenitis, usually preceded by a history of a cat scratch or exposure to kittens. The disease is caused by Bartonella henselae, and possibly Bartonella quintana, pleomorphic gram-negative rods formerly known as Rochalimaea henselae and Rochalimaea quintana. Ocular involvement is rare and typically manifests as either Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome or neuroretinitis. Patients with neuroretinitis resulting from cat-scratch disease may be asymptomatic or experience mild-to-severe vision loss. The clinical features, angiographic appearance, differential diagnosis, and management of cat-scratch neuroretinitis are discussed. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old white woman reported to the eye clinic with painless, decreased vision in the right eye. A diagnosis of cat scratch neuroretinitis was made on the basis of the history of cat scratch, clinical appearance, and angiographic findings. Treatment with oral ciprofloxacin restored vision to normal in 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: Painless vision loss associated with optic nerve swelling and macular star exudate should alert suspicion of systemic disease. Additional findings--including positive history of a cat scratch, lymphadenopathy, and flu-like symptoms--may indicate Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana infection. While treatment remains controversial, appropriate serology testing may aid in the diagnosis and management of the underlying infection.     

Bilateral Neuroretinitis in Cat Scratch Disease with Exudative,Obliterative Vasculitis in the Optic Disc

Abstract

A 29-year-old fisherman exhibited optic disc oedema and peripapillary retinal detachment in the right eye, whereas in the left eye, optic atrophy and intraretinal exudates were already observed on first examination. About 6 months earlier, he noticed blurred vision of the left eye but took no medication. Visual acuity was 0.4 OD and 0.01 OS. Perimetry showed a large lower-half field defect with sparing 10° central field in the right eye and a large central scotoma in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed existence of arteriole or capillary nonperfusion and hyperpermeability of surrounding capillaries. Since serological examinations showed positive Bartonella immunoglobulin G (IgG) and other causes of neuroretinitis (NR) were excluded, NR in the present case was caused by cat scratch disease (CSD). Optic atrophy appeared 2 weeks after onset. Optical coherence tomography 13 weeks after onset revealed severe loss of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) superior and nasal to the optic disc in both eyes and temporal in the left eye. Visual acuity of the right eye improved to 1.2 by the treatment, whereas visual field defects were persistent. CSD-NR in the present case developed abrupt appearance of optic atrophy with severe RNFL loss in the right eye, which was elicited by exudative, obliterative vasculitis in the superficial layer of the optic disc.     

Bilateral Neuroretinitis in Cat Scratch Disease with Exudative,Obliterative Vasculitis in the Optic Disc

A 29-year-old fisherman exhibited optic disc oedema and peripapillary retinal detachment in the right eye, whereas in the left eye, optic atrophy and intraretinal exudates were already observed on first examination. About 6 months earlier, he noticed blurred vision of the left eye but took no medication. Visual acuity was 0.4 OD and 0.01 OS. Perimetry showed a large lower-half field defect with sparing 10° central field in the right eye and a large central scotoma in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed existence of arteriole or capillary nonperfusion and hyperpermeability of surrounding capillaries. Since serological examinations showed positive Bartonella immunoglobulin G (IgG) and other causes of neuroretinitis (NR) were excluded, NR in the present case was caused by cat scratch disease (CSD). Optic atrophy appeared 2 weeks after onset. Optical coherence tomography 13 weeks after onset revealed severe loss of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) superior and nasal to the optic disc in both eyes and temporal in the left eye. Visual acuity of the right eye improved to 1.2 by the treatment, whereas visual field defects were persistent. CSD-NR in the present case developed abrupt appearance of optic atrophy with severe RNFL loss in the right eye, which was elicited by exudative, obliterative vasculitis in the superficial layer of the optic disc.     

An uncommon presentation of Bartonella-associated neuroretinitis.

BACKGROUND: This article documents a case of neuroretinitis initially presenting with ocular pain, 20/20 visual acuities, optic disc edema, and macular serous detachment without macular star formation in the absence of a history of exposure to pets or cats or symptoms suggestive of Bartonella infection. This initial clinical presentation appeared unilateral, but later became bilateral. CASE REPORT: Physical and neuroophthalmologic consultation, neuroimaging studies, blood chemistry, and serologic analysis were requested. Positive serologic (IGG) titers to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana were detected. Treatment was instituted initially with oral tetracycline (250 mg) qid and subsequently with doxycycline (100 mg) bid and prednisone (20 mg) qd. CONCLUSION: Bartonella infection may cause optic disc edema and serous detachment without macular star formation. This presentation may occur without the generally characteristic signs and symptoms of Bartonella-associated neuroretinitis. A bilateral involvement may follow an initial unilateral presentation during the affliction period of this disorder.     

Cat scratch disease (CSD) in patients with stellate neuroretinitis: 3 cases

This case series describes three patients with a similar clinical picture: unilateral abrupt visual loss, optic nerve edema, and a macular star exudate. In all cases we found significant antibody titers to Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease seems to be the most common cause of stellate neuroretinitis, formerly known as Leber's idiopathic stellate retinopathy. A review of the pertinent literature shows that serologic evidence of B. henselae is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis given the low incidence of significant titers in the general population. Cat scratch disease is usually a self limiting disorder in immunocompetent patients, but treatment with doxycycline is recommended.     

Presumed ocular bartonellosis

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of diseases caused by Bartonella henselae continues to expand and ocular involvement during this infection is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. METHODS: The clinical features and visual prognosis for 13 patients with intraocular inflammatory disease and laboratory evidence of bartonellosis were investigated. There were nine patients with neuroretinitis and four with panuveitis with positive antibody titres against B henselae determined by an enzyme immunoassay (IgG exceeding 1:900 and/or IgM exceeding 1:250). RESULTS: Positive IgG levels were found for eight patients and positive IgM levels for five. Despite animal exposure of 10 patients, only two (IgG positive) cases had systemic symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of cat scratch disease. Pathological fluorescein leakage of the optic disc was observed in all affected eyes. At 6 months' follow up, 3/18 (17%) affected eyes had a visual acuity of less than 20/100, owing to optic disc atrophy and cystoid macular oedema. 12 patients (17 eyes) were treated with antibiotics; visual acuity improved two or more Snellen lines for 9/17 (53%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of B henselae infection should be considered in patients with neuroretinitis and panuveitis (especially in cases with associated optic nerve involvement) even in the absence of systemic symptoms typical for cat scratch disease.     

Neuroretinitis with Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion in a 15-Year-Old Female

We report a case of Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis with significant disc and peripapillary edema, branch retinal artery occlusion without macula involvement and well preserved central vision. A 15-year-old female presented with loss of vision over 4 weeks in the left eye. She had a history of cat exposure, but a cat scratch, insect bite or conjunctivitis was not reported. An inferotemporal arcuate scotoma developed during the acute phase and persisted over the course of the follow-up.Key words: Bartonella henselae, Neuroretinitis, Branch retinal artery occlusion, Uveitis, Cat scratch disease     

A case of Leber's neuroretinitis

BACKGROUND: Described in 1916 by Theodore Leber, this rare syndrome characterized by low visual acuity, papillary edema, and a macular star (dry exsudates) occurs classically in the 30 to 40 year age range but also as frequently in children. The visual prognosis is excellent. An infectious cause is found in almost all cases. Case report A 34-year-old man consulted for declining visual acuity of the right eye which began suddenly without pain and was preceded by a flu-like syndrome lasting two weeks. Visual acuity on the right side was 2/10 P6, there was optic disk edema associated with dry macular exsudate (macular star) and a paleness of the posterior pole progressing to the periphery and readily visualized on the angiography, and a central scotome, but no dyschromatopsy. The left eye was strictly normal. Laboratory tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate at 45, C reactive protein at 61, normal red cell count and minimal transaminase elevation. Spinal tap showed: 3 elements/mm(3), protein 0.28g/l, 18% gammaglobulins. Serology tests were negative. Brain imaging was normal. RESULTS: Corticosteroid flashes for three days were initiated and the patient was seen again two weeks later with clear clinical improvement. Visual acuity was 6/10 P2 with considerable resorption of the edema. DISCUSSION: This case is a typical illustration of acute Leber's neuroretinititis, probably caused by viral infection. The cerebrospinal fluid tests and brain imaging ruled out multiple sclerosis, and serology tests for syphilis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease and possible parasite infection were negative. CONCLUSION: Acute lever's neuroretinitis is an uncommon condition which must be distinguished from inflammatory optic neuropathy, particularly in multiple sclerosis which has a very different prognosis and clinical course.     

Leber stellate neuroretinitis: two cases

INTRODUCTION: Described by Leber (1916), this clinical syndrome is characterized by unilateral decrease of visual acuity, papilledema and macular star. The condition concerns the young adult, has a favorable prognosis, and unspecified pathogeny. OBSERVATIONS AND METHODS: We report the case of two young adults (25 and 27 years), examined because of decreased visual acuity in the left eye, installed 2-3 weeks after a flu-like syndrome. Ophthalmoscopy reveals papilledema and macular star (lipid exudates). Fluorescein Angiography showed abnormal permeability at the optic disc, and the absence of vascular changes in the macular area. Campimetry, cranio-orbital imaging, and serological tests were carried out. RESULTS: Campimetry revealed a centrocecal unilateral scotoma. Serological tests for Bartonella hensellae, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and toxacara were negative. The cranio-orbital imaging was normal. Considering the syndrome to be idiopathic, no treatments have been performed; the visual acuity and papilledema resolved after 4 and respectively 6 weeks, and the macular exudates after 8 and respectively 12 months. DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS: The optic disc edema, with or without macular star, unsuitable called Leber's stellate neuroretinitis, forms a group of diseases with heterogenous clinical aspect, and unspecified pathogenesis. Overall, it is necessary to remember that it is a diagnosis of exclusion, targeting infectious pathology in children, and a vascular or demyelinating process in adult patients. The favorable prognosis is making the cortisone therapy unnecessary in idiopathic forms, but requires a specific therapy in infectious forms.     

Pattern Visual Evoked Potentials in Eyes with Disc Swelling due to Cat Scratch Disease-associated Neuroretinitis

Purpose: To evaluate optic nerve function by pattern visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in eyes with optic disc swelling due to neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease (CSD). Methods: Four eyes of four patients with marked optic disc swelling resembling optic neuritis but diagnosed serologically as CSD received systemic steroid treatment. VEPs elicited by black and white checkerboard stimuli created on a TV monitor were recorded before the treatment. Results: The visual acuity (VA) in the affected eyes was decreased to 20/50 in two eyes and finger counting in two eyes at their initial visits. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed neuroretinitis characterized by severe optic disc swelling, chorioretinal exudates, and macular edema in all eyes. Anti-Bartonella henselae serum antibody was markedly elevated in all patients confirming the diagnosis of CSD. The P100 of the transient VEPs was only mildly reduced without a delay in the implicit times in three eyes and only slightly delayed in the other eye. The steady-state VEPs were mildly reduced in two eyes and phase-reversed in other two eyes. The VA fully recovered after systemic steroid treatment in all patients. Conclusions: Although all examined patients showed marked swelling of the optic disc and visual decrease, the pattern VEPs were not affected as severely as in idiopathic optic neuritis. However, the degree of change of the pattern VEPs varied among patients.     

Bartonella henselae infection presenting as a unilateral panuveitis simulating Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

PURPOSE: To report an unusual ocular manifestation of cat scratch disease. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Review of the clinical, laboratory, photographic, and angiographic records of a patient with cat scratch disease. RESULTS: A 54-year-old woman presented with counting fingers visual acuity in the right eye associated with optic disk edema, diffuse choroidal thickening, and panuveitis. Fluorescein angiography showed disk leakage and hyperfluorescent spots with late leakage suggestive of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. She was diagnosed with cat scratch disease by serum antibody titers and clinical course. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular manifestations of cat scratch disease can include diffuse thickening of the choroid. Cat scratch disease may manifest with angiographic features suggestive of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.     

Unusual retinal manifestations of cat scratch disease

We report on 2 patients with unusual retinal manifestations of cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae. Case 1. A 42-year-old farmer presented with a 5-day history of blurred vision in his right eye. Right visual acuity was 20/25. Fundus examination of the right eye revealed mild vitreous hemorrhage and diffuse retinal hemorrhages in the mid-peripheral retina. Fluorescein angiography showed multiple vasculitic occlusions in the same area. A blood sample taken on the day of examination revealed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG to B. henselae. Oral azithromycin was given for 8 days. One month later, right visual acuity was 20/20, the vitreous and retinal hemorrhages resolved, and arteriolar attenuation and sclerosis was observed in the peripheral temporal retina. Case 2. A 66-year-old craftsman with systemic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia complained of sudden visual loss (light perception) in his left eye. Fundus evaluation and fluorescein angiography revealed central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in the affected eye. About 2 weeks earlier, he had been bitten and scratched on his right hand by a stray cat. Serologic testing detected the presence of IgM to B. henselae. Oral azithromycin was given for 6 days. One month later, left visual acuity was hand motion. Ophthalmologists should be aware that unusual ocular complications associated with CSD include vitreous hemorrhage with retinal vasculitis and isolated CRAO. Vitreous hemorrhage and retinal vasculitis may be the only clinical manifestation of CSD.     

Bartonella henselae infection associated with neuroretinitis, central retinal artery and vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma, and severe vision loss

PURPOSE: To report a case of Bartonella henselae infection. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Review of the clinical, laboratory, photographic, and angiographic records of a patient with cat scratch disease associated with central retinal artery and vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma, and severe vision loss. RESULTS: A 21-year-old man had no light perception in the left eye secondary to concurrent central retinal artery and vein occlusion believed to have resulted from infection with Bartonella henselae. Forty days later, he developed neovascular glaucoma in the left eye. CONCLUSION: Ocular complications associated with Bartonella henselae infection may include central retinal artery and vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma, and severe vision loss.     

Bilateral optic disk edema and blindness as initial presentation of acute lymphocytic leukemia

PURPOSE: To report bilateral optic disk edema and blindness as the unusual initial presentation of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in an adult. METHODS: A 19-year-old man presented with a history of headaches, back pain, and 10 days of worsening vision that progressed to blindness. Ocular examination revealed light perception acuity in the right eye and no light perception in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed bilateral profound optic disk edema, tortuous vessels, and retinal hemorrhages. Acute lymphocytic leukemia was diagnosed with complete blood count and bone marrow biopsy. Head computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, were normal. Lumbar puncture revealed normal opening pressure. Ocular ultrasonography showed bilateral optic nerve enlargement. DESIGN: Interventional case report and literature review. ESULTS: The presumptive diagnosis of leukemic infiltration of the optic nerves was made, and urgent radiotherapy, intrathecal methotrexate, and intravenous daunorubicin were instituted. Visual acuity improved to hand motions in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: Acute lymphocytic leukemia can rarely present in adults as visual changes due to leukemic optic nerve infiltration. Radiation treatment should be considered as an urgent treatment modality for this rare condition.     

视神经视网膜炎合并Bell麻痹(英文)

目的:报道1例罕见的视神经视网膜炎合并Bell麻痹。方法:病例报道。结果:男孩16岁,右眼视物模糊1wk就诊,伴高热以及两侧面部不对称。视力右眼0. 1(6/60),左眼1. 0(6/6)。右眼眼底表现为视盘充血水肿及黄斑部存在星芒状皱褶。左侧下运动神经麻痹,Humphrey视野检查表现为旁中心暗点和生理盲点扩大。全血细胞记数显示中性粒细胞增多及血沉加快。血清学检测梅毒、弓形体病、莱姆病、猫抓病阴性。单纯疱疹、带状疱疹、艾滋病毒检测均为阴性。立克次体也为阴性,脑部及眼眶MRI均正常,未发现脱髓鞘病变。起始为甲强龙每日4次250mg静滴3d,出院后继续口服大剂量强的松1mg/kg 11d。6mo后,随访视力达1.0(6/6),视盘略显苍白。Bell麻痹也明显改善,无明显两侧面部不对称。结论:对于视神经炎,临床医生检查其他颅神经有无病变是非常重要的。视神经视网膜炎同时合并面神经麻痹非常罕见,需要进行全面的检查和问诊以排除一些重要的感染性致病原因。视神经炎合并面神经麻痹对大剂量激素治疗敏感。     

Occlusive Vasculitis and Optic Disk Neovascularization Associated with Neuroretinitis

Purpose: To report a case of neuroretinitis associated with ischemic nasal branch retinal vein occlusion, periphlebitis, and neovascularization of the optic disk.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 32-year-old man presented with a typical image of neuroretinitis, retinal hemorrhages and sheathing of the retinal veins in the nasal retina. His left hand had been bitten by a kitten 8 weeks before. Serology for Bartonella henselae was negative. On the 6th week of follow-up, optic disk neovascularization developed, which required retinal photocoagulation. Photocoagulation was performed again at the 12th and 18th week revision since further new vessels had developed. At the 32nd week of follow-up neovascularization had regressed.

Conclusions: Neuroretinitis may be associated with severe complications such as retinal vascular occlusions and optic disk neovascularization.     

Optic neuropathy secondary to cat scratch disease: case report

Optic neuropathy due to cat scratch disease is a relatively infrequent occurrence associated with macular star formation and is characterized by sudden painless loss of vision mostly unilateral. Bartonella henselae is well recognized as the etiologic agent in cat scratch disease. Ocular complications of the disease occur in up to 10% of patients and include neuroretinitis. Ocular bartonelosis is usually self-limited with complete or near-complete recovery of vision in otherwise healthy patients. A case of a boy with neuroretinitis caused by B. henselae is reported.