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Cardiovascular abnormalities in Kawasaki disease
Insights
Kawasaki disease can cause serious cardiac issues, including coronary artery aneurysms, particularly in infants. Serial echocardiograms are crucial for monitoring and identifying high-risk children with Kawasaki disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.
- Cardiac involvement, including coronary artery aneurysms, is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent and progression of cardiac complications in Kawasaki disease patients.
- To evaluate the utility of echocardiography in detecting and monitoring these complications.
Main Methods:
- Serial cross-sectional echocardiographic examinations were performed on 18 patients with Kawasaki disease.
- Mean follow-up duration was 12.3 months.
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular complications occurred in 55% of patients.
- Coronary artery aneurysms were detected in 33%, primarily in infants under 12 months.
- Aneurysms showed regression in 4 patients over a mean of 7.5 months.
- Echocardiography proved more effective than ECG, chest X-rays, or clinical exams for detecting aneurysms.
Conclusions:
- Serial echocardiography is essential for identifying children with Kawasaki disease at risk of cardiac complications.
- Early detection and monitoring via echocardiography can help manage potentially fatal cardiovascular issues.
Abstract:
Eighteen patients with Kawasaki disease underwent serial, cross sectional echocardiographic examinations to determine the extent and subsequent course of cardiac involvement in this disease. The mean follow up period was 12.3 months. Cardiovascular complications were found in a total of 10 patients (55%). Coronary artery aneurysms were detected in 6 patients (33%), pericardial effusions in two, and one patient had electrocardiographic evidence suggesting inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary artery aneurysms, seen exclusively in infants less than 12 months of age, were found in four to regress over a mean period of 7.5 months (range 1 to 13 months). Electrocardiogram, chest radiographs, and clinical examination were unhelpful in identifying those patients with coronary artery aneurysms. Eight patients (44%) were hypertensive, though only two required treatment. While all patients have survived, serial cross sectional echocardiographs should be performed in children with Kawasaki disease to identify those at risk from potentially fatal complications.
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