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Successful recovery after ventricular fibrillation in a patient with Kawasaki disease
D van Lier1, P G Jorens, F Cools
1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium. philippe.jorens@uza01.uza.uia.ac.be
Insights
Kawasaki disease (KD) can cause sudden death in young adults due to coronary artery aneurysms. This case highlights acute myocardial infarction from aneurysm thrombosis in an 18-year-old, emphasizing the need for prompt cardiac evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults.
- It characteristically leads to coronary artery aneurysms, posing risks of thrombosis and obstruction.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male with undiagnosed Kawasaki disease presented with acute myocardial infarction.
- The infarction was precipitated by acute thrombosis within a coronary artery aneurysm.
Findings:
- The patient experienced ventricular fibrillation secondary to the myocardial infarction.
- This case underscores the potential for severe cardiovascular events in young adults with previously unrecognized KD.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and investigation of KD are crucial to identify potential ischemia.
- Timely revascularization or consideration for cardiac transplantation may be necessary in affected individuals.
- This case emphasizes the importance of considering KD in young adults presenting with unexplained cardiac events.
Abstract:
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an uncommon cause of sudden death in young adults in Europe. Angiographically, the disease is characterized by coronary artery aneurysms which can be fully obstructed by acute thrombosis or by progression of the disease. If diagnosis of KD is made, immediate investigation should be made to determine whether ischemia is occurring and if so, to establish optimal time for revascularisation or cardiac transplantation. We describe an 18-year-old Caucasian male who was not previously known to have KD and who suffered from an acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular fibrillation, caused by acute thrombosis of a coronary artery aneurysm.