Summary of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is an acute, self-limited systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under 5 years old. It involves inflammation of medium-sized arteries, with a particular risk of affecting the coronary arteries, which can lead to aneurysms if untreated.

Key clinical features include:

Prolonged fever (≥5 days)

Bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis

Oral changes (red cracked lips, “strawberry tongue”)

Polymorphous rash

Cervical lymphadenopathy

Changes in extremities (swelling, erythema, later desquamation)

Complications:

Coronary artery aneurysms

Myocarditis

Thrombosis

Management:

Early treatment with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin)

High-dose aspirin

Importance: Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiac complications.