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[Kawasaki disease: a case report from Madagascar]
D N Rakotovao1, R M Miandrisoa, V L Ramanitrarivo
1Service de Pédiatrie et Néonatologie, Centre Hospitalier de Soavinandriana, Antananarivo, Madagascar. domohina.rakotovao@yahoo.fr
Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|July 31, 2009
Summary
This case report details Kawasaki disease in a 9-year-old Malagasy girl, highlighting challenges in managing this rare condition in Africa. Early treatment with aspirin and prednisone, followed by IVIG, led to coronary artery aneurysm resolution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease is a primary cause of acquired heart disease in Western nations.
- Its occurrence in Africa is infrequently documented.
- This report focuses on a rare pediatric case in Madagascar.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl from Madagascar presented with typical Kawasaki disease symptoms.
- Initial treatment with acetylsalicylic acid did not prevent pancarditis and left heart failure.
- Prednisone administration preceded intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
Findings:
- Echocardiography confirmed pancarditis and acute left heart failure.
- A 5 mm left coronary artery aneurysm was identified.
- The aneurysm resolved after six months of continued acetylsalicylic acid therapy.
Implications:
- This case confirms Kawasaki disease's presence in Madagascar.
- It underscores the management difficulties in developing countries.
- Successful treatment involved a multi-drug approach including corticosteroids and IVIG.
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