[Kawasaki syndrome. Apropos of a case]

We report the case of a twelve-year old boy with a disease fitting the diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease as defined by the Japanese research committee on this mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. Although Kawasaki disease has been reported throughout the world, it is more prevalent in Japan. Etiology is unknown. An immunologic mechanism is likely. Main manifestations are an acute febrile mucocutaneous syndrome with enlargement of cervical lymph nodes. Cardiovascular involvement is responsible for death in 1 to 2% of cases and makes prolonged follow-up requisite. Some authors believe Kawasaki disease and infantile periarteritis nodosum to be the same condition. Acetylsalicylic acid seems to prevent cardiovascular complications.