CAT SCRATCH SYNDROME

Abstract

The clinical, laboratory and pathologic findings of a series of cases of cat scratch syndrome have been reviewed. In spite of a variable clinical course, certain features associated with a selected group of laboratory tests appear to be constant enough to be of diagnostic value. A history of contact with a cat and/or scratch which is usually associated with a peripheral skin lesion, lack of lymphangitis, presence of regional lymphadenopathy with tenderness to palpation are the most constant clinical findings. Fever, so frequently emphasized as a characteristic clinical sign, may be extremely variable in type and duration or entirely absent. A skin test with cat scratch antigen has been positive in all cases. Lacking this antigen, a negative Frei skin test in conjunction with a positive complement fixation test (Lygranum C. F.) is suggestive evidence for the diagnosis. With positive evidence from the above data, biopsy of an affected gland with its relatively nonspecific pathologic picture is not considered essential for the establishment of the diagnosis of cat scratch syndrome.