Incomplete and atypical Kawasaki disease: a clinicopathologic paradox at high risk of sudden and unexpected infant death

Pediatr Cardiol. 2012 Jun;33(5):802-5. doi: 10.1007/s00246-012-0186-y. Epub 2012 Feb 10.

Abstract

Incomplete Kawasaki disease (IKD) and atypical Kawasaki disease (AKD) represent rare conditions. Two cases of unexpected or sudden infant death are reported. The diagnosis for a 3-month-old girl was determined by echocardiography, and the child unexpectedly died despite appropriate treatment, whereas autopsy determined the diagnosis of AKD for a 4-month-old boy. In both patients, giant coronary artery aneurysms with thrombosis and vasculitis, myocarditis, and coagulative necrosis were shown at autopsy. These rare forms of IKD and AKD carry a poor prognosis and represent a paradox between the severe cardiovascular damage and the clinical presentation that mimics common and usually self-limiting exanthematic infectious disease in infancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / pathology*
  • Sudden Infant Death / pathology*