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
