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Utility of MR imaging in cat-scratch neuroretinitis

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Abstract

About 80% of cat-scratch disease (CSD) infections occur in children, and CSD neuroretinitis (optic neuropathy with retinal exudates in a “macular star” pattern) mostly occurs in children and young adults. A recent study suggested that CSD optic neuropathy has specific features on MR imaging. However, MR imaging findings in CSD neuroretinitis are not well described in the pediatric literature. We present a patient with CSD neuroretinitis in whom these specific MR imaging features preceded the macular star, a funduscopic finding strongly suggestive of neuroretinitis. This case demonstrates how knowledge of these features is important in the appropriate diagnostic work-up of optic neuropathy. MR imaging also incidentally revealed neuritis of another cranial nerve in the auditory canal—a rare manifestation of CSD.

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Correspondence to Michael C. Morriss.

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Reddy, A.K., Morriss, M.C., Ostrow, G.I. et al. Utility of MR imaging in cat-scratch neuroretinitis. Pediatr Radiol 37, 840–843 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-007-0514-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-007-0514-1

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