Article Details

Cat Scratch Disease is an infectious condition caused by gram-negative rods, primarily affecting the lymph nodes near the site of a cat scratch. The most common presenting symptom is lymphadenopathy, typically in the axillary or cervical regions. We present the case of a 15-year-old male referred to the orthopedic clinic for evaluation of a popliteal mass in the right knee. Initially, the patient reported localized anterior knee pain, which he attributed to a direct fall on concrete during a basketball game. The differential diagnosis of a popliteal mass with associated knee pain in the pediatric population is challenging. However, upon obtaining a more detailed history, the diagnosis became clearer. A WhatsApp profile picture of the patient's mother with the household cat prompted further targeted studies, ultimately confirming Cat Scratch Disease as the underlying cause of the patients’ symptoms. This case highlights an unusual presentation of the condition and describes how an unlikely source such as WhatsApp aided in the diagnosis.