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Kawasaki disease associated with chickenpox: report of two sibling cases

Dao-Hsiung Lee1, Hsiang-Po Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|September 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Varicella-zoster virus infection may trigger Kawasaki disease in susceptible children. Early treatment with intravenous gamma-globulin can prevent coronary artery complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness in children with an unknown infectious etiology.
  • Identifying specific infectious agents for Kawasaki disease remains a challenge.

Observation:

  • Two sisters presented with symptoms consistent with Kawasaki disease following primary varicella-zoster virus infection.
  • Echocardiography revealed mild coronary artery dilatation in both affected children.

Findings:

  • Both patients received intravenous gamma-globulin therapy.
  • Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated no progression of coronary artery lesions after treatment.

Implications:

  • Varicella-zoster virus is a potential trigger for Kawasaki disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
  • Early recognition of this association in children with chickenpox and mucocutaneous lesions may prevent severe cardiac complications.
  • Prompt treatment can mitigate the risk of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease.

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