Kawasaki Disease: A Never-ending Story?

Abstract

The most severe complication of Kawasaki disease, an inflammatory disorder of young children, is the formation of coronary artery aneurysms. It is known that patients with coronary artery aneurysms, particularly those with medium and large lesions, have a higher risk of future major cardiovascular events. In contrast, there is a lack of data on the cardiovascular status in long-term follow-up for Kawasaki disease patients without coronary involvement or with self-limited coronary artery aneurysms, resulting in most patients being discharged after 5 years. Even though some paediatricians may believe these patients should not be followed at all, studies indicating a dysfunctional endothelium show the need for further investigation. Consequently, a review of the most significant aspects of Kawasaki disease, and the necessity of correctly identifying, treating and monitoring these patients, particularly those with a higher risk of complications, was conducted.

Keywords: Kawasaki disease; adults; cardiovascular risk factor; children.

Figure 1:. Colour Doppler Flow Mapping Showing There is No Coronary Artery Obstruction

Figure 2:. Pathophysiology of Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease

Figure 3:. 2D Echocardiogram and Coronary Angiography

Figure 4:. CT of an Adult Kawasaki Disease Patient