Cat-scratch disease: an unusual cause of combative behavior.
Acute encephalitis is an unusual manifestation of cat-scratch disease. The authors present the case of a 27-year-old man who exhibited the acute onset of encephalitis manifested by violent behavior and confusion. The diagnosis of drug abuse was presumed initially, but a careful examination revealed the true cause to be cat-scratch disease. Emergency physicians are frequently faced with the challenging task of evaluating confused and combative patients. This case demonstrates the importance of a complete physical examination and a thorough laboratory evaluation.
Harvey
R A
RA
Department of Surgery, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, Burlington 05401.
Misselbeck
W J
WJ
Uphold
R E
RE
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003221:Confusion; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis