Cat-scratch disease associated with osteomyelitis

A case of cat-scratch disease in an 8 year-old girl is reported. The inoculation injury followed by regional lymphadenopathy was typical of Parinaud syndrome. This patient also had vertebral lesions on scintigraphy, x-rays and CT scan. While the oculoglandular localization spontaneously improved within a few weeks, osteomyelitic lesions remained grossly unchanged after almost 2 years of follow-up.     

Cat-scratch encephalopathy presenting as status epilepticus and lymphadenitis

A five-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with generalized seizures. Enlarged lymph nodes raised the suspicion of cat-scratch disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive history of a cat bite, typical histopathologic findings in the biopsy of the lymph nodes, and a positive skin test. Brain CT scan and LP were repeatedly normal. The clinical course was remarkable for recurrent episodes of status epilepticus refractory to usual anticonvulsant therapy and prolonged encephalopathy consisting of mental confusion, hemiparesis, tremor, chorea, and vomiting. All neurologic symptoms gradually resolved within nine months, without sequelae. Cat-scratch encephalopathy should be suspected in a child presenting with status epilepticus and enlarged lymph nodes. Aggressive and prolonged anticonvulsant therapy is strongly recommended.     

Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis

The cases of three female Guinean children are described. Bloods tests were nonspecific, showing a moderately high globular sedimentation rate. The patients received combined therapy with systemic antibiotic therapy (including local gentamicin administration in two of the three patients) and surgery. One patient returned to Guinea and was lost to follow-up. The second patient showed severe sequelae and the third patient had a favorable outcome. In recent years, the prevalence of chronic osteomyelitis in Africa has increased. Most patients have multiple bone involvement and multiple etiology. Blood cultures are negative in 40 % of patients and severe radiologic abnormalities, most commonly fractures, are frequent. A successful therapeutic regimen must be based on antibiotic and surgical treatment.     

Sweet's syndrome with multifocal sterile osteomyelitis

Sweet's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by fever, leukocytosis, dense dermal infiltration of leukocytes, and painful indurated cutaneous plaques. We describe a 23-month-old male infant with the typical cutaneous manifestations of Sweet's syndrome and painful extremities that limited ambulation. Evaluation revealed multifocal sterile osteomyelitis of both tibia. After the institution of systemic corticosteroid therapy, the patient's symptoms resolved, and bone scans normalized. After one year of follow-up, the patient has intermittent recrudescences that resolve during corticosteroid therapy. Sterile multifocal osteomyelitis represents another clinical manifestation of Sweet's syndrome.     

Cat-scratch disease with reversible encephalopathy

A case of cat-scratch disease (CSD) complicated by reversible encephalopathy is presented. Neurological complications of CSD are uncommon. Laboratory and radiological examinations were negative. There was complete recovery.     

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by multiple bone lesions and a variable clinical course. We present a 10 year old boy with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis who improved after treatment with naproxen.     

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis with unusual features

We describe two children with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis who showed unusual extraskeletal manifestations. The first patient developed an asymptomatic pulmonary consolidation; the second had an atypic localization of the associated pustulosis, which involved the trunk, groin, thighs and buttocks, but spared the palms and soles. We conclude that this disease is clinically more heterogeneous than previously thought.     

Paediatric thoracic tumours presenting as empyema

Ultrasonography (US) is considered to be adequate for the preoperative evaluation of childhood empyema. This study was aimed to improve awareness that paediatric intra-thoracic tumours can mimic childhood post-pneumonic empyema and highlights the value of computed tomogram (CT) scan with intravenous (IV) contrast in preoperative evaluation of childhood empyema. The data were analysed on eight children (four boys and four girls) presented at the median age of 6.2 years (1.8–15 years) for the management of empyema and later confirmed to have intra-thoracic tumours. Intra-thoracic tumours in 8 (5.3%) children out of 150 cases of post-pneumonic empyema were managed during the study period. All eight had clinical features, increased white cell count, raised inflammatory markers and biochemical parameters suggestive of childhood empyema. Chest X-ray showed localised opacity in 3/8 while in other five suggested significant pleural collection with mediastinal shift. Additional investigations in referring hospital were suggestive of empyema in four children; US in three, CT scan without IV contrast in one. Referring hospital carried out non-diagnostic thoracocentesis in four children with blood stained pleural tap in two. In four children corroborative evidence suggestive of infection within pleural cavity and acute respiratory distress led to an emergency mini-thoracotomy resulting in significant intra-operative bleeding in two children. Histology on biopsy of the infected material showed primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) in one, pleuropulmonary blastoma in one, metastatic malignant melanoma in one and cytology of pleural fluid diagnosed lymphoma in one. Pre-operative CT scan with IV contrast in four children correctly identified underlying intra-thoracic tumour (two benign teratoma, two PNET). In two cases CT with IV contrast was performed because chest X-ray suggested mediastinal loculated empyema while in other two high clinical index of suspicion prompted preoperative evaluation with CT scan with IV contrast. We advocate caution and increased awareness before considering therapeutic options in childhood empyema and recommend preoperative CT scan with IV contrast in some selected and unusual cases.     

Actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis in the pediatric population

Osteomyelitis attributable to Actinomyces often results in recurrent disease and inconsistent responses to antimicrobial agents. We present data for 4 patients and a review of the 15 previously described pediatric cases of actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis. Fourteen cases involved the mandible and 5 cases involved other sites. All mandibular cases required at least 1 debridement, with 4 of the cases requiring multiple debridements.     

Retroperitoneal abscess presenting as iliofemoral venous obstruction

A 5 week-old infant presented with iliofemoral venous obstruction caused by a large retroperitoneal abscess, possibly from suppuration of the iliac lymph nodes. In this age group iliofemoral venous thrombosis is rare and usually follows vascular catheterisation: suppuration of the retroperitoneum has not been recognised previously as a cause. Offprint requests to: S. W. Beasley     

Cat-scratch disease associated with an osteolytic lesion

Lytic bone involvement accompanying cat-scratch disease has been described previously in three patients. I observed a fourth patient with this pathologic condition and noted variations among the four patients. To my knowledge, this patient is the first in whom extension from an involved lymph node to a bone was direct.