Atypical presentation of Kawasaki disease resembling a retropharyngeal abscess.
10.3345/kjp.2009.52.2.251
- Author:
Eu Jin KIM
1
;
Young Su LIM
;
Ji Eun YOON
;
Heon Seok HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University, College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea. hshan@chungbuk.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome;
Retropharyngeal abscess
- MeSH:
Echocardiography;
Fever;
Humans;
Immune System Diseases;
Lymphatic Diseases;
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome;
Neck;
Retropharyngeal Abscess
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatrics
2009;52(2):251-255
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic inflammatory disorder, the etiology of which has not yet been established. The clinical manifestations are non-specific and are common to many pediatric infectious and immunologic diseases. In 2 cases presenting fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and retropharyngeal abscess-like lesions on the neck shown in a computerized tomography (CT) scan, the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was delayed. The patients were not responsive to antibiotic therapy, and fluid collection was not found during retropharyngeal aspiration. They showed typical Kawasaki manifestations over time and atrioventricular valve regurgitation in the echocardiogram. A diagnosis of Kawasaki disease should be considered in similar cases of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. A CT scan that shows a retropharyngeal abscess-like lesion on the neck can be a false positive finding, and other laboratory exams, including echocardiography, should be performed as early as possible to avoid unnecessary medical and surgical procedures.
