Atypical Cat-Scratch Disease in Children: Report of Seven Presentations Ranging From Hepatosplenic Disease to Horner Syndrome

Introduction: cat scratch disease (csd) is an infectious disease caused by the gram-negative rod bartonella henselae (bh). it usually leads to subacute loco-regional lymphadenitis occasionally associated with fever. in most of the cases, it resolves spontaneously within 4 - 6 weeks. however, csd has also been associated with other atypical presentations.case presentation: we reported a series of seven children with unusual symptoms of csd. in particular, we described the case of a child with ptosis, miosis and enophtalmy, suggesting horner syndrome, associated with cervical lymphadenitis. cat scratch was mentioned in only one patient, while four of them mentioned a recent contact with cats. we reviewed and discussed the incidence of these atypical presentations of csd as well as the therapeutic approaches recommended and the available diagnostic tools.conclusions: this paper highlighted the need to exclude csd in children with unexplained symptoms such as prolonged fever, hepatosplenic lesion and osteomyelitis