Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Uncomplicated Cat-Scratch Disease with Regional Lymphadenitis

Cat-scratch disease is a benign lymphadenopathy that usually occurs in children and young adults. It is probably underdiagnosed clinically due to lack of history of being scratched or bitten by a cat or kitten. Awareness of the radiological features of cat-scratch disease may facilitate noninvasive diagnosis of this condition. We report five cases of cat-scratch disease with tender palpable masses. Cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography (CT) (n=4) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (n=1) showed a mass or clustered nodules with surrounding edema in an area of lymphatic drainage. We discuss the clinical manifestations, radiological features and differential diagnosis based on imaging study.