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Long-term echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac size and function in patients with Kawasaki disease
Insights
Kawasaki disease can cause long-term cardiac abnormalities, even without coronary artery issues. This study found persistent issues with heart chamber size and function in patients long after their initial illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.
- Long-term cardiac sequelae in patients without coronary artery aneurysms are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of Kawasaki disease on cardiac function in patients without coronary artery aneurysms.
- To identify persistent abnormalities in cardiac chamber size and function.
Main Methods:
- Serial M-mode echocardiograms were performed on 67 patients at multiple time points post-diagnosis.
- Evaluated parameters included ventricular dimensions, shortening fraction, systolic time intervals, and computer analysis of digitized echoes.
- Compared findings between patients with and without coronary artery aneurysms.
Main Results:
- Left atrial and ventricular dimensions remained abnormal in 50% of patients throughout the study.
- Peak emptying and thickening rates of the left ventricle were reduced long-term.
- Over 30% of patients studied beyond 12 months showed prolonged diastolic filling and thinning periods.
- No significant differences were observed between patients with or without coronary artery aneurysms.
Conclusions:
- Kawasaki disease can lead to persistent cardiac chamber and functional abnormalities, irrespective of coronary artery involvement.
- These findings challenge previous assumptions about the cardiac recovery in Kawasaki disease patients without coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
The long-term effects of Kawasaki disease on the cardiac function were evaluated in 67 patients. Serial M-mode echocardiograms were obtained at the time of the initial diagnosis, 1 to 3 months, at 3 to 12 months, and at greater than 12 months following the diagnosis. Left ventricular and left atrial dimensions, shortening fraction, left and right ventricular systolic time interval ratios, and computer analysis of digitized echoes of the left ventricular chamber and posterior wall were obtained. The left atrial and left ventricular dimensions were abnormal in half of the patients throughout the study periods. The shortening fraction was abnormal initially but became normal by the end of 3 months. The peak rates of emptying of the left ventricle and thickening of the posterior wall were significantly reduced in all evaluation periods. In addition, the peak rate of diastolic thinning of the posterior wall was reduced, although the peak rate of filling remained normal. Finally, more than 30% of patients studied beyond 12 months had a prolonged major filling and thinning period. There was no difference between patients with or without coronary artery aneurysms. All other systolic and diastolic phase intervals and rates of changes were normal. Contrary to previously published reports, we conclude that patients with Kawasaki disease who do not have demonstrable coronary artery disease, exhibit abnormalities of cardiac chamber size and function long after their acute illness.