Retinitis with Unilateral Abducens Nerve Palsy: A Rare Presentation of Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease (CSD) caused by Bartonella henselae, a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by cats, typically manifests with self-limiting fever and regional lymphadenopathy. Ocular CSD is reported in about 5% of cases and include: neuroretinitis, Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome and focal retinochoroiditis. Neurological complications are uncommon and include meningioencephalitis and encephalopathy. Peripheral facial nerve palsy is reported in a few CSD cases secondary to direct compression by the parotid gland. Bilateral abducens nerve palsy associated with CSD was reported in a single case secondary to increased intracranial pressure. We present a rare case of CSD with simultaneous bilateral retinitis and unilateral abducens nerve palsy.