Changes in the coronary arteries during early and long-term follow-up of Kawasaki syndrome: a single centre experience

Background : Kawasaki syndrome is a disease of unknown etiology manifested by fever and the so-called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. In some cases aneurysms of the coronary arteries may develop, which may result in myocardial infarction. Methods : Four children treated for Kawasaki disease were followed up. Echocardiography was performed in the early period of the disease and during the follow-up. Results : Changes in the coronary arteries were diagnosed in 3 patients in early period of the disease with one coronary aneurysm persisting in 1 patient over the entire follow-up. Conclusions : Transthoracic echocardiography is usually sufficient to diagnose and monitor coronary artery changes in the course of Kawasaki disease. Despite late initiation of treatment in Kawasaki disease regression of changes in the coronaries is possible.