Kawasaki disease. Some recent studies on pathogenetic mechanisms

Kawasaki disease is diagnosed with increasing frequency in countries outside Japan. It has attracted widespread interest because of the possibility of coronary aneurysms and sudden death in the patients. While advances in treatment have been achieved, and in particular, the value of intravenous gamma-globulin therapy, the etiology of the disease is still uncertain. This paper is a brief review of some recent studies which have shed light on the pathogenesis of the disease. Studies from animal models and information from immunological abnormalities, platelet immune complex interactions and coagulation abnormalities point to the importance of immunoregulatory mechanisms in pathogenesis. Evidence so far do not support a major role for genetic factors.