Magnetic resonance studies of brain lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology

Background:

• Kawasaki disease (KD) is a pediatric illness causing inflammation in blood vessels.
• Coronary arterial lesions (CAL) are a common complication of KD.
• Cerebrovascular complications in KD are not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presence and nature of brain lesions in patients with KD and CAL.
• To assess the correlation between CAL severity and potential neurological complications.
• To investigate cerebrovascular changes using advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 24 patients with KD and CAL using brain MRI and MRA.
• Patients were assessed 0.1-21.2 years after KD onset.
• Coronary angiography data from 47 KD patients were reviewed.

Main Results:

• One patient (1/24) exhibited a right cerebellar infarction and obliteration of the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
• This cerebrovascular lesion was detected despite the absence of significant neurological symptoms.
• Most patients presented with non-specific symptoms like irritability or lethargy.

Conclusions:

• Brain lesions, including infarction, can occur in patients with Kawasaki disease and coronary arterial lesions.
• Cerebrovascular complications should be considered in severe KD cases, irrespective of neurological presentation.
• Neuroimaging is crucial for detecting silent cerebrovascular changes in KD survivors.