Kawasaki disease
Pronunciation: kah-wah-SAH-kee
Acute febrile illness in children causing coronary artery inflammation and potential aneurysm formation.
Full Definition
Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness of unknown etiology that primarily affects children under 5 years of age, characterized by systemic vasculitis with particular predilection for coronary arteries. The disease is diagnosed based on clinical criteria including prolonged fever, conjunctival injection, oral mucosal changes, rash, extremity changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy. The most serious complication is coronary artery involvement, which can lead to aneurysm formation, myocardial infarction, or sudden death. Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin significantly reduces the risk of coronary complications. Long-term cardiovascular surveillance is required for patients with coronary involvement.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Tomisaku Kawasaki; capitalize the eponym. Focus on vascular complications in vascular medicine contexts.
In Context
- "Echocardiography revealed coronary artery dilatation in the child with Kawasaki disease." — Pediatric cardiology report
- "The patient met criteria for incomplete Kawasaki disease and was treated with IVIG." — Treatment plan