Overview of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that typically affects the coronary arteries. It occurs almost exclusively in children and is usually seen before 5 years of age. It is the most important cause of acquired cardiac disease (particularly coronary artery disease) in children in developed countries.

Children with echocardiographic coronary artery lesions are considered ‘high risk’. All children with Kawasaki disease should have echocardiography performed at the time of diagnosis, but this should not delay starting treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

‘Incomplete’ Kawasaki disease has a similar presentation but does not fit the traditional diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease (see Criteria for the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease). Children with this form may have a higher incidence of developing coronary artery abnormalitiesHa, 2013. The management is the same as for complete Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease in adults is rare and treatment is the same as for children.

Kawasaki disease requires specialist management. Seek urgent specialist advice if there is a high index of suspicion for Kawasaki disease to determine if immediate treatment is required (eg intravenous immunoglobulin).

Note: Seek urgent specialist advice if there is a high index of suspicion for Kawasaki disease to determine if immediate treatment is required (eg intravenous immunoglobulin).