Kawasaki disease 2013: clinical cases and new issues

Key words: Kawasaki disease, Incomplete forms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Clinical cases

Kawasaki disease is one of the most common vasculitis in childhood. The typical expression of Kawasaki disease is characterized by persistent fever for at least five days, polymorphous rash, bilateral non-exudative conjunctivitis, changes in the lips and oral mucosa, perianal hyperemia, extremity changes, and lymphadenopathy. Although this is an acute vasculitis with self-limited course, 15-25% of untreated cases can develop coronary artery aneurysms or ectasia. The diagnosis can be complicated due to the lack of pathognomonic signs and laboratory markers and the incomplete or atypical expressions in which this disease may manifest. This article provides a summary of the main differential diagnoses and the guidelines for the management of the incomplete forms.