Kawasaki disease sequelae

Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

Updated on November 11, 2024

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Kawasaki disease is an autoimmune vasculitis, and since it is vasculitis, it can originate from blood vessels in various parts, including the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and more. However, it mainly arises from the coronary arteries of the heart.

If Kawasaki disease is not effectively treated, some patients can develop coronary artery dilation and even coronary artery aneurysms. Once a coronary artery aneurysm occurs, its complication includes the risk of rupture and bleeding of the aneurysm, which can be difficult to treat if there is severe bleeding.

If there is some coronary artery dilation, it can lead to the formation of coronary artery thrombosis, which is also a complication it can cause. However, the vast majority of Kawasaki disease cases, if treated effectively, can prevent coronary artery abnormalities. Therefore, as long as the treatment is timely, most cases will not have significant lasting effects.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 7sec

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What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is a disease possibly related to viruses. Currently, the exact cause of Kawasaki disease is unclear, and the mechanism of its onset is also not well understood. It is characterized primarily by systemic vasculitis and is an acute febrile exanthematous disease. Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as rash, fever, conjunctival congestion, cracked lips, oral mucosal congestion, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and peeling of the skin on the extremities. The cause of Kawasaki disease is unclear, but various viral infections observed clinically could potentially exacerbate the progression of Kawasaki disease. It mainly affects the coronary arteries, so there is a certain link between Kawasaki disease and viruses. However, it is not necessarily the direct cause of Kawasaki disease but could worsen or be a concomitant disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 45sec

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Is Kawasaki disease easy to treat?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a self-limiting disease but is an acute systemic vasculitis commonly seen in infants and children under the age of 5. The primary clinical manifestations include non-suppurative cervical lymphadenopathy, oral mucosal lesions, conjunctival congestion, prolonged fever, polymorphous rash, and hard swelling of the hands and feet with fingertip desquamation. Cardiovascular damage is the most severe complication of Kawasaki disease and can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and coronary artery dilation. If Kawasaki disease is not treated promptly, the incidence of developing coronary artery aneurysms is 15%-25%, making Kawasaki disease one of the most common causes of acquired heart disease in infants and young children. Therefore, timely treatment of Kawasaki disease is crucial, generally involving anti-inflammatory treatment, immune support, and symptomatic management. If there is no concomitant coronary artery damage, treatment involves symptomatic management. If there is coronary artery damage, the treatment duration will be longer and regular follow-up is necessary. The course of the disease can extend over months or even years, thus treatment of Kawasaki disease needs to be tailored based on the individual's condition and clinical symptoms.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 18sec

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Does Kawasaki disease cause vomiting?

Kawasaki disease is a disease with no clear etiology, commonly seen in infants and toddlers, with eighty percent of cases occurring in children under five years old. Its main pathological change is systemic vasculitis. The main symptoms include fever, congested and cracked lips, diffuse congestion of the oral mucosa, swollen tongue papillae, and strawberry tongue. Other symptoms may include swelling of the hands and feet, polymorphous erythema, and enlarged lymph nodes. There could be subsequent cardiac complications, primarily affecting the coronary arteries. Kawasaki disease may cause vomiting due to the diffuse congestion in the oral cavity, and the pharynx might also be congested. When children experience significant congestion, their laryngeal reflex might be sensitive, possibly leading to vomiting. Furthermore, children with Kawasaki disease might develop secondary infections from other bacteria and viruses, which could also lead to symptoms like vomiting. Therefore, the manifestations of Kawasaki disease can vary, and if significant vomiting occurs, it should be investigated to determine the cause.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 50sec

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Is Kawasaki disease serious?

Kawasaki disease is an etiologically unclear disease with a not well-understood pathogenesis. The principal pathological change involves inflammatory changes in the systemic blood vessels, which can affect the coronary arteries and lead to coronary artery aneurysms and dilation. Kawasaki disease is self-limiting, and most cases resolve well, with recurrences seen in 1-2% of cases. For patients without coronary artery lesions, comprehensive examinations are required 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1-2 years after discharge, including physical examinations, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms, mainly to assess the heart's condition. If not effectively treated, 15-20% may develop coronary artery aneurysms; such cases need semi-annual or annual medical check-ups. Coronary artery aneurysms often self-resolve within two years post-diagnosis, typically leaving functional abnormalities such as thickening of the vessel wall and reduced elasticity. Major artery aneurysms often do not disappear completely and can lead to thrombosis or narrowing of the vessel lumen. Kawasaki disease is one of the common causes of acquired heart disease in children; therefore, if Kawasaki disease is accompanied by severe coronary damage, it may heal well but could lead to heart disease. If it is not a severe case of Kawasaki disease, timely treatment can still result in a good recovery.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

42sec

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Is Kawasaki disease contagious?

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, currently has unclear pathogenic mechanisms and the causes of the disease are not well defined. One of its main pathological changes is systemic vasculitis, including the coronary arteries. The disease occurs sporadically or in small epidemics, can happen in any season without clear seasonality, and is generally more common in infants and young children, with eighty percent under five years of age. Kawasaki disease is not a contagious disease, so it does not have significant contagiousness.