[Familial parinaud oculo-glandular syndrome in cat-scratch disease]

Harefuah. 2000 Jun 15;138(12):1034-6, 1086.
[Article in Hebrew]

Abstract

Cat-scratch disease is manifested by subacute, regional lymphadenitis and occurs mainly in children. The causative agent is a pleomorphic, gram-negative bacillus, Bartonella henselae carried by asymptomatic cats. Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome is the most common ocular manifestation of this disease. It is characterized by unilateral conjunctivitis with polypoid granuloma, usually of the palpebral conjunctiva, and preauricular lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is supported by a history of exposure to cats and is confirmed by positive serologic tests or positive PCR assay. The occurrence of more than 1 case of Parinaud syndrome in a family is rare. We describe 2 sisters with Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, proven by serologic tests. They reported that they used to cuddle with their cats, among them a kitten. Because of the refractory conjunctivitis and signs of imminent periorbital cellulitis, they were treated with oral tetracycline with apparently good responses. We recommend asking about contacts with cats in any atypical conjunctivitis accompanied by regional lymphadenopathy, especially in young patients. Systemic antibiotics should be given when there is any suspicion of significant ocular involvement, if the patient is immunosuppressed, or if there are systemic manifestations of cat-scratch disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / complications
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / drug therapy
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / physiopathology*
  • Cats
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Family
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / diagnosis
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / drug therapy
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents