Imaging for Infected Cat Bites

Indications for Imaging

Plain radiographs should be obtained for bites located near bones or joints to evaluate for periosteal penetration, fracture, or retained foreign bodies, as recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians 1
Advanced imaging (MRI or CT) is indicated for suspected deep abscess formation, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, or deep tissue involvement requiring surgical evaluation, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1
Hand wounds carry the highest infection risk and may require imaging to evaluate for septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, or tendonitis, as suggested by the American College of Surgeons 2

Immunocompromised patients should have a lower threshold for imaging, including consideration of imaging for atypical presentations, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1
Diabetic patients require vascular assessment and may need imaging to evaluate arterial supply to the affected limb, according to the American Diabetes Association 1

Cat bites have a unique characteristic of a 30-50% infection rate, significantly higher than dog bites, as reported by the World Health Organization 3, 2