Cat scratch disease presenting with peripheral facial nerve paralysis

Pediatrics. 1998 May;101(5):E13. doi: 10.1542/peds.101.5.e13.

Abstract

Acquired peripheral facial nerve paralysis is a relatively common disorder that affects both children and adults. The most frequent nontrauma-related etiologies in otherwise neurologically intact patients are idiopathic (Bell's palsy) and infectious, which includes otitis media, herpes zoster, Lyme disease, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is typically a subacute, regional lymphadenitis caused by Bartonella henselae that is seen in children and young adults. CSD most often has a benign, self-limited course. However, 11% of CSD patients may present atypically, most commonly with Perinaud's oculoglandular syndrome or acute encephalopathy. We present a child with the first reported case of acute facial nerve paralysis in serologically proven CSD with typical lymphadenitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cat-Scratch Disease / complications*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Facial Paralysis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male