Peripheral neurological involvement due to Bartonella henselae in an immunocompetent adolescent: a case report and literature review.
Camille Arabeyre, Siméon Lheritier, Alexandre Rached et al.
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Case in brief
A 17-year-old immunocompetent male presented with bilateral facial palsy, paresthesia, and absent deep tendon reflexes after experiencing axillary lymphadenopathy from cat scratches. Diagnostic lumbar puncture revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and serology confirmed high titers of Bartonella henselae. Electroneuromyography indicated prolonged F waves. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins and doxycycline, leading to gradual clinical improvement.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider Bartonella henselae in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory radiculopathies, particularly in patients with a history of cat exposure.
Why it matters
This case underscores the diverse neurological manifestations of Bartonella henselae, extending beyond more commonly recognized conditions like encephalitis and neuroretinitis.