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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffKawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the walls of small- and medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Kawasaki disease is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome because it also affects lymph nodes, skin, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth, nose and throat.
Signs of Kawasaki disease, such as a high fever and peeling skin, can be frightening. The good news is that Kawasaki disease is usually treatable, and most children recover from Kawasaki disease without serious problems.
References
- Kawasaki disease. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec19/ch286/ch286d.html#sec19-ch286-ch286c-1987. Accessed Dec. 7, 2010.
- Harnden A, et al. Kawasaki disease. British Medical Journal. 2009;338:1514.
- Baker AL, et al. Kawasaki disease. Circulation. 2008;118:e110.
- Wood LE, et al. Kawasaki disease in children. Heart. 2009;95:787.
- Kawasaki Disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4634. Accessed Oct. 25, 2010.
- Sundel R. Initial treatment and prognosis of Kawasaki disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 1, 2010.
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