Beware of your neighbour's cat

Unilateral lymphadenopathy is commonly seen in general practice. Williams and colleagues (p 1199) describe a case of a 29 year old woman who presented with a painless swelling in the right groin. After biopsy, she was referred to a chest physician for suspected sarcoidosis despite having no systemic symptoms. Investigation found a raised IgM titre for Bartonella henselae, which is both sensitive and specific for cat scratch disease. The patient improved over time and, at final follow up, did recall being scratched in the groin by her neighbour's cat about a month before she became unwell.

(Credit: HIROSHI OSAKA/PHOTONICA)