Get care at the leading center in North America for adult Kawasaki disease with Dr. Jiken Bhatt. Discover the diagnosis, treatment, and management of adult Kawasaki disease in San Diego, where we see patients from around the country and world.
Diagnosis and treatment for adult Kawasaki disease
The first step in diagnosing the condition may involve a coronary artery calcium score to assess for calcification and aneurysms of your coronary arteries as well as a stress test to evaluate for inadequate blood flow to your heart.
We typically treat patients with:
- blood thinners, including aspirin
- cholesterol lowering medications
The disease is typically treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin, or IGIV. This fluid is extracted from the blood, contains antibodies, and can reduce the damage to the heart and arteries. If the heart and arteries have been damaged during the course of the disease, the extent of the damage must be evaluated and an effective treatment performed. In some very severe cases, coronary bypass surgery is advised, or in some cases, heart transplant surgery.
The types of heart damage that can result from adult Kawasaki disease include:
- Coronary artery inflammation
- Aneurysms
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Internal bleeding
Without question, treating the condition as early as possible is crucial to the health and long-term survival of the patient. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with adult Kawasaki disease, our team of heart specialists at San Diego Cardiac Center can perform a range of advanced diagnostic tests to identify any heart problems and develop a treatment plan.
