Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of the medium vessel that mainly affects children under 5 years old, which if it’s not treated, is associated with the development of coronary artery aneurysms in approximately 25% of all cases. Typically, KD presents with fever, mucocutaneous changes and lymphadenopathy.
However, EK is an exceptional disease in which incomplete forms of the disease are very common and atypical presentations often occur. These presentations may create a diagnostic puzzle for pediatricians and may delay the start of therapy. There is no specific study for the diagnosis of KD but there are laboratory studies and findings in ECG that support the diagnosis in atypical cases. The echocardiogram study should be performed as soon as possible when the diagnosis is suspected, but should not delay the treatment. The goal of treatment in KD is to reduce the risk of developing aneurysms of the coronary arteries and thereby decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
Key Words: Kawasaki disease; Echocardiography; Coronary artery abnormalities; Unusual presentations. |
