Diagnosing and Managing Kawasaki Disease

Background

Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and high fever, usually in young children. Risk for myocardial infarction (MI) is highest soon after Kawasaki disease onset. This updated AHA statement for diagnosing and managing Kawasaki disease summarizes recent developments in imaging, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki disease have not changed since the prior guideline that was published in 2005 (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Feb 1 2005 and Circulation 2004; 110:2747)

Key Points

• Diagnosis

  • Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been added to the differential diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.

• Trea…