Kawasaki disease (aka, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) is characterized by
proliferative inflammation, and tends to involve the medium muscular arteries.
It has a predilection for the
coronary arteries, which are affected in approximately 20% of cases
Key cause of acquired heart disease in children.
Large coronary aneurysms can be fatal, as they can cause
myocarditis, cardiac tamponade, or, as we've illustrated here, coronary artery thrombosis.
Typically presents as a self-limiting, acute febrile illness in children:
– Fever
– Conjunctivitis
– Erythematous macular rash
– Edema and desquamation, particularly of the limbs
– Cervical lymphadenopathy
– A red, inflamed throat
– Strawberry tongue with dry, fissured lips.
