Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Cat-Scratch Disease

Abstract

THROMBOCYTOPENIA complicating catscratch disease is rare. Large series of catscratch disease do not report this complication; in fact, there have been only 2 case reports of the association of thrombocytopenia and cat-scratch disease.^1,2Because of its rarity, the report of another patient with thrombocytopenia and cat-scratch disease is presented. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> An 11-year-old Caucasian boy was admitted to St. Francis Hospital on March 21, 1960, because of a painful, swollen, tender lymph node in the left axilla; headache; and malaise, of 2 weeks' duration. Three days prior to admission epistaxis and ecchymoses appeared over the chest and extremities. On admission his temperature was 98.6° F. (37° C.) and pulse 80 and respirations 16 per minute; blood pressure was 110/70 mm. Hg. The significant physical findings were petechiae in the buccal oral mucosa; 2- to 4-cm. ecchymoses over the chest and extremities; and a slightly tender, 3-cm. moveable