Cat-scratch disease presenting as status epilepticus. A case report.

A 12-year-old Bedouin boy presented with sudden asymmetrical status epilepticus. The presence of a scalp wound, rubbery cervical lymphadenopathy and a history of contact with cats suggested the diagnosis of cat-scratch disease complicated by encephalopathy. The diagnosis was supported by histological examination of a cervical lymph node and a positive skin test with cat-scratch antigen. The rapid establishment of the diagnosis avoided the necessity of elaborate and complicated neuroradiological investigations.