Refractory, missed and severe Kawasaski disease : diagnostic and therapeutic challenges : case report

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute generalised vasculitis of childhood with a predilection for the coronary arteries causing ectasia and aneurysms with subsequent potential ischaemic heart disease and even sudden death. This risk is significantly reduced by early treatment with intravenous immunoglob...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inSA heart journal Vol. 10; no. 2; pp. 462 - 468
Main Authors Zuhlke, Liesl, Lawrenson, John, Comitis, George, Van Schalkwyk, Adre
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published The South African Heart Association 01.09.2013
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute generalised vasculitis of childhood with a predilection for the coronary arteries causing ectasia and aneurysms with subsequent potential ischaemic heart disease and even sudden death. This risk is significantly reduced by early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin together with a high dose of aspirin. However, the diagnosis is often difficult to make as many childhood illnesses may mimic KD. In addition, presentations may be atypical or incomplete. We discuss a series of 3 recent cases to focus on the management of 3 potentially troublesome aspects of the disease namely: severe coronary vascular involvement, failure to recognise the disease and disease which is refractory to standard therapy. We will also provide a suggested treatment algorithm for refractory KD with reference to current and future research strategies.
ISSN:1996-6741
2071-4602