Acquired Heart Disease

Kawasaki Disease

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Kawasaki disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the United States, is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, especially the coronary arteries around the heart. The disease is most common in children under 5 years of age, occurs more often in boys than in girls, and is more prevalent during the winter and spring months.

Each year, there are roughly 2000 cases of Kawasaki disease in the U.S. Although the cause of the disease remains unidentified, experts suspect that it is caused, in part, by a pathogen such as a virus or bacteria, which may explain why cases often appear in clusters. At this time there are no means of prevention, nor is there evidence that the disease is contagious.

The first signs of Kawasaki disease include fever and irritability. In most patients, the fever comes on rapidly and is higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other symptoms include:

• Rash, often in the torso and genital areas
• Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis without discharge
• Swelling and redness of the hands and feet followed by peeling of the skin on the fingers and toes
• Red, chapped lips
• "Strawberry tongue" where the tongue is red, swollen, and has raised bumps
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The order in which symptoms appear can vary. In addition, some children also may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and joint irritation.

Kawasaki disease is best treated soon after symptoms appear in order to reduce the risk of heart-related complications. If your child has a high fever and you suspect that he or she may have Kawasaki disease, consult your child's doctor right away.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007