Epilepsia partialis continua in cat scratch disease.
Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a world-wide, diffuse, non-epidemic infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bartonella henselae. The occurrence of encephalopathy represents an infrequent and atypical complication, whose manifestations include ischemic strokes, transverse myelitis and epileptic seizures. Status epilepticus has been described as the most frequent emergency in CSD encephalopathy. In this report, we describe a case of CSD complicated by an epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) manifested as rhythmic movements of the flexor muscles of the left hand. Although CSD is a benign, self-limited disease and a complete neurological recovery usually occurs, in the present case the EPC resulted in a partial epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and back-averaged EEG data recorded during myoclonic activity document this CSD complication.
Department of Cardiovascular and Neurological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554, Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
Monica
M
Puligheddu
Antonio
A
Giagheddu
Fabrizio
F
Genugu
Marcello
M
Giagheddu
Francesco
F
Marrosu
D000293:Adolescent; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D017036:Epilepsia Partialis Continua / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans