Cat scratch disease presenting as axillary lymphadenopathy and a palpable benign mammary nodule mimicking a carcinoma

Abstract

We present a case involving a 74-year-old woman with cat scratch disease characterized by an enlarged and hard axillary lymph node as well as a palpable breast nodule mimicking a carcinoma. The lymph node and the breast nodule were excised. The pathologic examinations revealed granulomatous lymphadenitis with gram-negative bacilli and an intraductal papilloma. Antibiotic therapy (azithromycin) was prescribed and the patient's clinical evolution was excellent.

Human Bartonellosis: An Underappreciated Public Health Problem?

“…Recently, Bartonella infections have been linked to more diverse manifestations such as hallucinations, weight loss, muscle fatigue, partial paralysis, pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), and other neurological manifestations [6,8,10]. A few case studies have also documented Bartonella in tumors, particularly vasoproliferative and those of mammary tissue [12,13,14]. The potential involvement of this pathogen in breast tumorigenesis is both disconcerting and warrants significantly more research.…”

Cat scratch disease unveils hidden breast carcinoma: A diagnostic twist

“…The simultaneous discovery of cat scratch disease and breast carcinoma in situ in this patient represents a rare and intriguing clinical scenario. While axillary lymphadenopathy is a well-known manifestation of cat scratch disease, its presence in this case prompted a diagnostic mammographic workup which led to the unexpected diagnosis of breast carcinoma [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] .…”

“…Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by Bartonella Henselae, commonly affecting young adults. It presents with a range of clinical manifestations, including fever, lymphadenopathy, and sometimes cutaneous lesions at the site of inoculation [1 , 2] . This case is focused on the importance of the differential and workup of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy.…”

Comparison of the Efficacy of Longer versus Shorter Pulsed High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome with Bartonellosis and Associated Coinfections

“…Clinical manifestations of these Bartonella species include a broad range of eye problems (uveitis, neuroretinitis, Parinaud oculo-glandular syndrome), cardiac problems (myocarditis, endocarditis, aneurysm formation, vasculitis, relapsing bacteremia), peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system neurological disorders (Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), hallucinations, psychosis, encephalopathy, transverse myelitis, radiculitis, cerebellar ataxia), [ 250 ] rheumatological presentations, vasculitis [ 251 ], chronic lymphadenopathy, skin problems with granulomas and bacillary angiomatosis, as well as liver involvement (Peliosis Hepatis, vascular proliferation in the liver) [ 250 ]. Recently, Bartonella species have also been associated with breast cancer [ 252 , 253 , 254 ] and melanomas [ 255 ], a highly concerning finding warranting more research [ 36 ].…”