Intermediate uveitis and retinal vasculitis as manifestations of cat scratch disease.

PURPOSE: To study the ocular manifestations of systemic Rochalimaea infection.

METHODS

We examined a healthy 21-year old woman who had floaters in both eyes. A bilateral mild vitreitis and multiple foci of retinal vasculitis were found; during the ensuing two weeks, exudates appeared over the inferior pars plana. The patient owned five kittens but had no history of cat bites or scratches. Serum levels of antibodies to Rochalimaea were elevated.

RESULT: The retinal vasculitis and vitreitis resolved after three weeks of therapy with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride without concomitant anti-inflammatory therapy.

CONCLUSION

Rochalimaea infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intermediate uveitis and retinal vasculitis.