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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2010; 05(03): 305-308
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-2010-0260
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Bartonella-related multifocal bone marrow enhancement without osteolysis

Scott V. Connelly
a   Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
,
Patrick C. Seed
a   Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
b   Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
c   Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
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Publication History

18 February 2010

03 April 2010

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Multifocal bone marrow disease due to Bartonella henselae is rare and is typically accompanied by osteolytic disease. A 10-year-old female presented with advanced disease, including prolonged fever, back pain, and radiographic multifocal pelvic bone marrow enhancement without osteolysis. Acute and convalescent serology supported the diagnosis of B. henselae infection. However, bone marrow aspirates lacked granulomas and inflammatory infiltrate. The patient fully recovered without specific antimicrobial therapy. B. henselae produces a fever and pain syndrome with multifocal bone marrow enhancement in the absence of osteolytic lesions.

Keywords

Bartonella henselae - osteomyelitis - bone marrow enhancement - children - fever of unknown origin