A young patient with history of Kawasaki disease presenting with triple vessel disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness primarily affecting young children.
• It is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, often leading to coronary artery aneurysms due to vasculitis.
• While cardiac complications are known, severe sequelae like triple vessel disease in adulthood are uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of severe coronary artery disease in a young adult with a history of Kawasaki disease.
• To emphasize the potential for long-term cardiac morbidity resulting from childhood Kawasaki disease.
• To highlight the need for lifelong cardiovascular surveillance in affected individuals.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Review of patient's medical history including childhood diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.
• Clinical evaluation and diagnostic workup for coronary artery disease.
• Surgical intervention for severe triple vessel disease.

Main Results:

• A 20-year-old male with a history of Kawasaki disease in infancy presented with symptoms of severe coronary artery disease.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed significant triple vessel disease.
• The patient successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Conclusions:

• Kawasaki disease can have rare but severe long-term cardiovascular consequences, including advanced coronary artery disease in adulthood.
• This case underscores the critical need for ongoing cardiac monitoring throughout the lifespan of individuals with a history of Kawasaki disease.
• Early recognition and management of cardiac complications are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.