Erythema nodosum due to cat-scratch-disease: An association and important therapeutic implications

Cat-scratch disease is a zoonosis caused by Bartonella henselae and transmitted mostly through a break in the skin. This infectious disease is commonly characterized by a benign lymphadenitis. However, more unusual presentations have been observed. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with cat-scratch disease who developed subsequently an erythema nodosum. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment of the erythema nodosum may have led to worsening of cat-scratch disease with an abscess requiring surgical treatment. Cat-scratch disease is an uncommon and poorly known cause of erythema nodosum, and must be systematically ruled out. As non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug are usually prescribed as a treatment of erythema nodosum, it should be used cautiously to reduce the risk of complications in the cat-scratch disease.