Kawasaki Disease in a Young Adult: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Cureus. 2024 Mar 5;16(3):e55547. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55547. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

This case report describes a 21-year-old female who was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD), a rare condition in adults. Careful clinical assessment, including the history of a recent upper respiratory tract infection and the physical findings of fever, sinus tachycardia, strawberry tongue, and skin peeling of the hands and feet, prompted further evaluation. Laboratory findings supported an inflammatory process, and multidisciplinary consultations led to the diagnosis of KD. Prompt treatment with acetylsalicylic acid and intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in rapid improvement and prevention of the severe complications associated with untreated KD, particularly in the cardiovascular system. This case emphasizes the importance of the high risk of suspicion and the need for a comprehensive evaluation in atypical presentations of KD in adults, where early recognition and management are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae such as coronary artery aneurysms and myocardial infarction.

Keywords: acetylsalicylic acid; aspirin therapy; high fever; incomplete kawasaki; intravenous immunoglobulins (ivig); kawasaki disease; kawasaki disease in atypical age group; kawasaki disease treatment; skin peeling; strawberry tongue.

Publication types

  • Case Reports