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.     

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.     

Conservative management of documented neuroretinitis in cat scratch disease associated with Bartonella henselae infection.

BACKGROUND: Bartonella henselae has been identified as the causative agent of the neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease (CSD). Immunofluorescent antibody tests with good sensitivity and specificity are available to aid in diagnosis. Despite diagnostic advances, optimal management remains controversial. We present a case of documented B. henselae macular neuroretinitis managed without antibiotics and discuss antibiotic use in this condition. METHODS: We examined a young woman with macular neuroretinitis and established a diagnosis of CSD. Management consisted of a review of the literature, followed by educating her about the condition and close observation. We documented the course of her disease. RESULTS: We diagnosed neuroretinitis associated with B. henselae infection based on immunofluorescent antibody titres and clinical presentation. Our patient's neuroretinitis resolved promptly without antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Macular neuroretinitis in CSD can be satisfactorily diagnosed with the use of fluorescent antibodies in the appropriate clinical setting. Optimal treatment for the disease has not been established and observation combined with patient education remains an appropriate option. The self-limited nature of the disease implies that treatment studies not using controls must be interpreted with great caution. Adverse drug reactions and other iatrogenic complications can be reduced by limiting antibiotic use in settings where a meaningful treatment benefit has not been established.     

Ocular manifestations of cat-scratch disease.

Bartonella henselae has only recently been isolated, characterized, and found to be the principal cause of cat-scratch disease (CSD). The availability of specific serologic investigations has allowed the recognition of a spectrum of ocular CSD syndromes that previously were ill defined and considered idiopathic. The primary inoculation complex causing regional lymphadenopathy is represented in the eye by Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome; B. henselae is the most common cause. Leber's neuroretinitis has been identified for 80 years, and new data suggest that it is commonly a manifestation of CSD; the extent of the association remains to be determined. CSD optic neuritis is also described. The vitreoretinal manifestations include anterior uveitis, vitritis, pars planitis, focal retinal vasculitis, a characteristic retinal white spot syndrome, Bartonella retinitis, branch retinal arteriolar or venular occlusions, focal choroiditis, serous retinal detachments, and peripapillary angiomatous lesions. The pattern of ocular disease in AIDS-associated B. henselae infections is poorly delineated; unusual manifestations include conjunctival and retinal bacillary angiomatosis. The benefit of antimicrobial therapy for CSD in immunocompetent individuals has been difficult to establish, partly because most infections are self limited. Empirically, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, parenteral gentamicin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole provide the best therapeutic choices to minimize damage to the eye.     

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.     

Cat's cratch disease and Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome

By presenting this case report describing Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome, we review the medical literature on its most frequent etiology: catscratch disease, a self-limited, systemic illness caused by a Gram-negative bacillus, Bartonella henselae, principally affecting children under 15 years of age. Typical symptoms include regional lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise, and fatigue, possibly with more severe complications such as splenomegaly, granulomatous hepatitis, and encephalopathy. Ocular manifestations may include follicular conjunctivitis, Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome, neuroretinitis, optic neuritis, and chorioretinitis. Diagnosis is based on serologic tests, and when necessary, antimicrobial treatment can be considered.     

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.     

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.     

Cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis

We report a case of cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis for which systemic and ocular investigations proved the responsibility of Bartonella henselae. An 11-year-old boy was referred to the hospital in November 2002 for severe visual loss in the left eye over the preceding 2 weeks. At the same time, he also developed a flu-like illness. The best corrected acuity in the left eye was counting fingers at 30 cm. Posterior segment examination on the left eye showed an optic disk edema with papillary and peripapillary hemorrhages and serous retinal detachment, mild vitreous inflammation, and two little perivascular white spots. The medical history was unremarkable except for a cat scratch on his left forearm 2 months before. Four weeks of antibiotic therapy including oral rifampin and doxycycline was used. Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin M were first detected with Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin G testing negative at this time. A 3-week serum showed immunoglobulin M seroreversion, while Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin G appeared. Other causes of optic disk edema with macular star were excluded by biological data. Bartonella antibodies to both Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in the cat. Ophthalmic follow-up showed progressive resorption of the neuroretinitis and the visual acuity increased to 5/10. The significance of this case report lies in the reminder that this pathology can be the cause of neuroretinitis; the prognosis can be improved by earlier treatment.     

Cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis diagnosed by a polymerase chain reaction approach

PURPOSE: To assess the value of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease neuroretinitis without conclusive serology. METHODS: Interventional case report. A 13-year-old girl developed a right neuroretinitis 2 months after a cat scratch. Despite the lack of accompanying features, an infection by Bartonella henselae was suspected and a systemic check-up was performed. RESULTS: Serologic results excluded other proposed origins but were insufficient in making the diagnosis because of low B. henselae specific IgG level in serum. A polymerase chain reaction analysis for B. henselae DNA in a small axillary lymphadenopathy aspirate enabled us to achieve a definitive diagnosis of cat-scratch disease. CONCLUSION: Polymerase chain reaction is a valuable method of diagnosing cat-scratch disease when serology is considered negative or borderline.     

Cat scratch disease with posterior segment involvement

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with cat scratch disease during the last 2 years. METHODS: Clinical characteristics and anterior and posterior segment manifestations were reviewed in five patients who were serologically diagnosed as having cat scratch disease. RESULTS: Four women and one man were examined. Their ages ranged from 7 to 60 years. Each patient had a markedly elevated serum anti-Bartonella henselae antibody titer. Visual symptoms developed 2 weeks or less after the onset of systemic symptoms. Lymphadenopathy was detected in one of five patients. Neuroretinitis was found in 4 patients, and papillitis in 1 patient. Seven eyes showed retinochoroidal exudates. Anterior uveitis was observed in three eyes. Four patients received systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The ocular manifestations of cat scratch disease include neuroretinitis, papillitis, retinochoroidal exudates, and anterior uveitis.     

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.     

Conservative management of documented neuroretinitis in cat scratch disease associated with Bartonella henselae infection

Background: Bartonella henselae has been identified as the causative agent of the neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease (CSD). Immunofluorescent antibody tests with good sensitivity and specificity are available to aid in diagnosis. Despite diagnostic advances, optimal management remains controversial. We present a case of documented B. henselae macular neuroretinitis managed without antibiotics and discuss antibiotic use in this condition. Methods: We examined a young woman with macular neuroretinitis and established a diagnosis of CSD. Management consisted of a review of the literature, followed by educating her about the condition and close observation. We documented the course of her disease. Results: We diagnosed neuroretinitis associated with B. henselae infection based on immunofluorescent antibody titres and clinical presentation. Our patient’s neuroretinitis resolved promptly without antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Macular neuroretinitis in CSD can be satisfactorily diagnosed with the use of fluorescent antibodies in the appropriate clinical setting. Optimal treatment for the disease has not been established and observation combined with patient education remains an appropriate option. The self-limited nature of the disease implies that treatment studies not using controls must be interpreted with great caution. Adverse drug reactions and other iatrogenic complications can be reduced by limiting antibiotic use in settings where a meaningful treatment benefit has not been established.     

Prevalence of serologic evidence of cat scratch disease in patients with neuroretinitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Bartonella henselae seropositivity in patients with a clinical diagnosis of neuroretinitis. DESIGN: Retrospective, clinic-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen consecutive patients seeking treatment at the Casey Eye Institute from November 1993 through November 1998 who had neuroretinitis. METHODS: The billing and photographic records of the Casey Eye Institute were searched for patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of neuroretinitis or Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis. Charts were then reviewed to determine the results of B. henselae antibody titers and other pertinent clinical information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Results of B. henselae serologic testing. RESULTS: Fourteen of 18 patients with neuroretinitis had serologic studies. Nine of the 14 tested patients (64.3%) were found to have elevated IgM or IgG for B. henselae, suggesting current or past infection. Patients with positive serologic analysis results tended to have worse vision at presentation. There were no other obvious differences between seropositive and seronegative groups in this study, including duration or quality of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: At our tertiary care ophthalmology institution, most tested patients with neuroretinitis had evidence of past or present cat-scratch disease based on positive serologic analysis for B. henselae, a much greater prevalence than is expected to be found in the general population or in patients with idiopathic uveitis. Further study is indicated to clarify the prevalence of cat-scratch disease in neuroretinitis and the role and efficacy of antibiotics in treatment.     

Positive polymerase chain reaction and histology with borderline serology in Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome

PURPOSE: To report a case of Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome (POS) in which, despite a borderline serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for a conjunctival biopsy was positive for Bartonella henselae, a source of cat-scratch disease. A Steiner silver stain demonstrated the organism. METHODS: Case Report. RESULTS: A 65-year-old man was seen for a foreign body in his left eye (OS) associated with chemosis and a preauricular node. CONCLUSION: B. henselae is a known cause of POS. This gram-negative pleomorphic rod has been more frequently discovered in connection with this syndrome due to improved diagnostic testing such as indirect immunofluorescence antibody and PCR testing. Frequently, serology is positive if the organism is present. This report describes a patient with clinical findings of POS who, despite borderline serology, had pleomorphic rods on Steiner silver stain and positive PCR testing compatible with Bartonella henselae.     

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.     

Bartonella henselae infection associated with peripapillary angioma, branch retinal artery occlusion, and severe vision loss

PURPOSE: To report atypical clinical features of Bartonella henselae neuroretinitis treated with combination antibiotics. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 20-year-old man with a positive B. henselae titer developed a unilateral neuroretinitis, a large peripapillary angiomatous lesion, branch artery occlusion with ischemic maculopathy, and vision loss that failed to improve with clindamycin. Treatment with doxycycline and rifampin led to rapid clinical improvement. The severe vision loss in this case is atypical. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular findings associated with B. henselae infection may include retinal angiomatous lesion and branch retinal artery occlusion. Doxycycline and rifampin were successful in treating the infection.     

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.     

Severe occlusive vasculitis as a complication of cat scratch disease

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this communication is to report a severe occlusive vasculitis as a complication of cat scratch. HISTORY AND SIGNS: A 34-year-old Hispanic woman presented with a sudden visual loss of the right eye associated with shivers, high fever and arthritis which developed 2 months after a cat's bite. Fundus examination showed papillitis and a palor of the paramacular zone of the retina. Fluorescein angiography revealed multiple arterial and venous vasculitic occlusions. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: Auto-immune disease and endocarditis were ruled out by an extensive medical work-up.The diagnosis of Bartonella henselae was confirmed by a positive serology. A systemic antibiotherapy with azithromycin, doxycyclin, rifampicin and steroid therapy resulted in a good clinical response, including a rapid visual recovery with a visual acuity of 20/20 and no relapse of the disease at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular complications associated with cat scratch disease may include vasculitis with both arterial and venous occlusions causing severe visual loss.