kawasaki disease
Acute febrile vasculitis syndrome in children under 5, requiring specific diagnostic criteria and urgent treatment to prevent coronary artery complications.
Full Definition
An acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that primarily affects children under 5 years of age. Diagnosis requires fever for at least 5 days plus four of five clinical criteria: bilateral conjunctival injection, oral mucous membrane changes, peripheral extremity changes, polymorphous rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Early recognition and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin are crucial to prevent coronary artery aneurysms. Editorial review must verify proper capitalization (Kawasaki disease, not kawasaki disease) and accurate citation of diagnostic criteria.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Kawasaki' as it is an eponymous disease named after Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki.
In Context
- "The patient met four of five criteria for Kawasaki disease and received IVIG within the recommended treatment window." — Pediatric cardiology consultation
- "Incomplete Kawasaki disease should be considered in infants under 6 months with prolonged fever." — Clinical practice guideline